Lower control arm help

TMCINTOSH11

MEMBER
2002 FORD EXPLORER
4.0L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
238,323 MILES

Hello,
I was hoping you guys could give me some details on replacing a lower control arm on the vehicle listed above it is the XLT model.
The other day my brakes started pulling real bad every time I tried to stop, so I thought maybe it was a caliper or brake hose issue. So I jacked it up and noticed nothing wrong with any brake parts, but when I tried shaking the right side wheel it had tremendous play in it, and noticed the lower control arm moving with the wheel, and saw that it was half way out of the bushing. I circled what I noticed and every time I shook the wheel it moved in and out of the bushing, and I pretty much thought well there is my problem, everything else looked fine, even both tie rod ends and ball joints. Think I found my problem? And I already know driving it like this is dangerous so I parked it. Thanks!

Image (Click to make bigger)

6 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good evening my name is Roy and I will assist.

Let me get the information for you

Roy

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Sunday, December 31st, 2017 AT 7:35 PM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Okay, I just posted a picture of the suspension.

The lower arm is circled.

You need to jack it up on the frame. Remove the front tire. Remove the lower bolt for the strut. Release the lower ball joint. Remove the front nut and bolt from the control arm. Remove the two bolts on the rear bracket for the control arm.
You will need to use a bungee cord to support the hub from coming down too far so you do not hyperextend the front axle. The arm can then be removed.

Roy

Image (Click to make bigger)