Front lower control arm

Tiny
JOHN OTT
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 MERCURY MARQUIS
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
A new control arm can be a pain to insert into the frame mounting brackets. Any tips or tricks for stubborn ones? Hammer, chisel, dynamite? Arm strength is not working for me.
Also, do the mounting bolts need to be torqued down under load? One reference said, while at curb height. I do not know what that means.
Monday, March 5th, 2018 AT 11:24 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good afternoon.

They need to be installed together. Use some lube on the bushings when trying to line up the arm. Yes, you will need a hammer to assist the arm to seat into the brackets.

Curb height means on the ground after the repair is complete. Torque them as the very last step with the car on the ground.

Roy
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Monday, March 5th, 2018 AT 11:47 AM
Tiny
JOHN OTT
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Thanks Roy. But, what is the difference between curb height or raising/loading the control arm with a hydraulic jack?
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Monday, March 5th, 2018 AT 7:31 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
With it up in the air, the suspension is unloaded. If you torque it then when you drop it down, the bushings will twist and break loose from the weight of the vehicle. That is why you do it on the ground.

Roy
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Monday, March 5th, 2018 AT 7:36 PM

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