How to Replace an Upper control arm on a 2002 Dodge Stratus.

REMOVAL � UPPER� CONTROL� ARM

1. Remove� the� front� shock� assembly� from� the� vehicle.� (Refer� to SHOCK� ASSEMBLY).
2. Disassemble� the� shock� assembly� until� the� upper� (shock� absorber/upper� control� arm)� mounting� bracket� is� removed� from� the� coil� spring.� (Refer� to DISASSEMBLY � SHOCK� ASSEMBLY).
3. Remove� the� 2� bolts� attaching� the� upper� control� arm� bushings� in� the� upper� mounting� bracket.� (Fig.� 80).

Fig.� 80:� Removing� Upper� Control� Arm� To� Mounting� Bracket� Attachment� Bolts
Courtesy� of� DAIMLERCHRYSLER� CORP.

4. Remove� the� upper� control� arm� from� the� mounting� bracket.
1. Install� the� upper� control� arm� on� the� upper� (shock� absorber/upper� control� arm)� mounting� bracket.
2. Install� the� 2� bolts� attaching� the� upper� control� arm� to� the� bushings� in� the� mounting� bracket� (Fig.� 80).� The� bolts� must� be� installed� from� center, � so� the� heads� are� toward� the� coil� spring� when� it� is� installed. The� bolts
MUST� be� installed� so� the� head� of� the� bolt� will� be� toward� the� coil� spring� when� the� mounting� bracket� is� installed� on� shock� absorber� (Fig.� 80)�.

CAUTION: For� clearance� reasons� the� control� arm� mounting� bolts� must� be� installed� from� center, � so� the� heads� are� toward� the� coil� spring� when� it� is� installed.
Otherwise� the� bolts� may� rub� the� coil� spring, � damaging� it.
Reinstall at a 90 degree angle and torque to 90 NM (66 ft lbs.)

You sholdn't if you aren't taking the strut apart.