Tools Required

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

Notice: Whenever working near the drive axles, care must be taken to prevent inner tri-pot joints from being overextended. Overextension of the joint could result in separation of internal components which could go undetected and result in failure of the joint.

2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
3. Remove the Road Sensing Suspension position sensor from the lower control arm.
4. Remove the lower ball joint washer and retaining nut.



5. Disconnect the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 36226 .
6. Push the strut knuckle assembly rearward.
7. Remove the lower control arm mounting bolts and nuts.
8. Remove the lower control arm from the frame.

1. Install the lower control arm to the frame.
2. Install the lower control arm mounting bolts and nuts. Do not tighten.
3. Install the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

4. Install the lower ball joint retaining nut.

Tighten
Tighten the lower ball joint retaining nut to 10 N·m (84 lb in) using the J 35551 90 degrees to the torque wrench. Tighten the nut an additional 120 degrees.

When tightening the nut a minimum torque of 50 N·m (37 lb ft) must be obtained.

If 50 N·m (37 lb ft) is not obtained, inspect the nut for stripped threads.

If the threads are satisfactory, replace the ball joint and the knuckle.

If required, turn the nut up an additional 60 degrees in order to allow for the installation of the cotter pin.

5. Install the Road Sensing Suspension position sensor to the lower control arm.
6. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
7. Lower the vehicle allow the vehicle to assume proper trim height.

Tighten

•	Tighten the lower control arm rear mounting bolt to nut to 157 N·m (116 lb ft).

•	Tighten the lower control arm forward mounting bolt to nut to 126 N·m (93 lb ft).