Tuesday, May 14, 2013
How to Take Apart Control Arms
1. Move the car to an area where you have a lot of room to either side to work on the suspension. A driveway or large garage is the best place for this repair operation. Place the car or truck into Park on a level surface and pull the emergency brake to provide some extra support. Turn the car off and get out.
2. Jack the car up on the right side first on its jack point. All cars have points that are designated for jacking the car up to minimize possible damage to the cars frame. Once the car is elevated, place a jack stand under the structure to support it while you wheel the jack out. Jack up the left side the same way and slide another jack stand in.
3. Remove the lug nuts securing the right front wheel to the car with a tire iron, making sure to place the lug nuts in a safe place. Take the wheel off to expose the brake underneath. Unbolt the brake calipers and rotor from the steering knuckle; there will be at least two bolts securing the brake setup, perhaps more depending on the make and model of car. Repeat this disassembly process on the left front side.
4. Remove the single bolt that secures the control arm to the steering knuckle while supporting the steering knuckle. Let the knuckle swing down gently once the bolt is out. Remove the three bolts that secure the other end of the control arm to the cars frame. Pull the control arm out from the wheel well and place it to the side. Repeat this process on the right side of the car.
