Questioni have a 2001 chrysler seabring. the right side lower control arm needs to be replaced.how hard is it to replace and what do i all need for assembly
AnswerREMOVAL
Raise vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - SERVICE PROCEDURE).
Remove tire and wheel assembly.
NOTE: Removing the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle allows the steering knuckle to be turned further. This allows better access to the steering knuckle when striking it to remove the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle.
Remove nut attaching the outer tie rod to steering knuckle (Tie Rod End Attaching Nut). Remove nut from tie rod end by holding tie rod stud with a socket while loosening and removing nut with wrench (Tie Rod End Attaching Nut).
Remove outer tie rod from steering knuckle using Remover, Special Tool C-3894-A.
Remove cotter pin and castle nut from lower ball joint stud (Lower Ball Joint Attachment To Steering Knuckle).
CAUTION: No tool is to be inserted between the steering knuckle and the lower ball joint to separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. The steering knuckle is to be separated from the ball joint only using the procedure as described in step Step 6 below.
CAUTION: When striking the steering knuckle, do not hit the heat shield covering the ball joint grease seal. Bending the heat shield against the ball joint grease seal will cause the grease seal to fail.
Turn steering knuckle so front of steering knuckle is facing as far outboard in the wheel opening as possible. Using a hammer (Separating Lower Ball Joint Stud From Steering Knuckle), strike steering knuckle boss until steering knuckle separates from lower ball joint. When striking steering knuckle, care MUST be taken not to hit lower control arm or ball joint grease seal.
CAUTION: Pulling the steering knuckle outward from the vehicle after releasing it from the ball joint, can separate driveshaft inner C/V joint, thus damaging it. (Refer to 2 - DRIVELINE AND DRIVESHAFT/HALFSHAFT - REMOVAL).
Remove shock absorber clevis to lower control arm bushing, nut and thru-bolt. Separate clevis from lower control arm (Clevis To Lower Control Arm Attachment).
Remove nut attaching stabilizer bar link to lower control arm (Removing/Installing Nut From Stud Of Stabilizer Link). When removing nut, hold stud of stabilizer bar link from turning by inserting an allen wrench in end of stud (Removing/Installing Nut From Stud Of Stabilizer Link).
Remove bolts attaching closest stabilizer bar bushing clamp to front suspension crossmember and body of vehicle (Stabilizer Bar Bushing Clamp Attachment To Vehicle).
Lower that side of stabilizer bar away from lower control arm and body of vehicle.
Remove nut and bolt attaching rear of lower control arm to front suspension crossmember (Lower Control Arm Attachment To Front Suspension Crossmember).
Remove nut and bolt attaching the front of lower control arm to front suspension crossmember (Attaching Front Of Lower Control Arm To Suspension Crossmember).
CAUTION: When removing lower control arm from crossmember care must be taken to prevent hitting lower ball joint seal against steering knuckle, causing damage to the ball joint seal.
Remove front of lower control arm from suspension crossmember first, then remove rear of lower control arm from suspension crossmember. When removing rear of lower control arm from crossmember, keep control arm as level as possible. This will keep rear bushing from binding on crossmember making it easier to remove control arm from crossmember.
