Lower Control Arm: Removal
- Raise vehicle on hoist so that control arms hang freely. Remove wheel. Remove brake caliper, and wire aside. Remove brake rotor and dust shield. Disconnect tie rod assembly from spindle.
- Remove steering gear bolts (if necessary). Position gear so control arm pivot bolts may be removed. Disconnect stabilizer bar link from lower control arm.
- Remove cotter pin from ball joint stud nut (if equipped). Loosen ball joint nut one or 2 turns. DO NOT remove nut at this time. Using hammer, rap spindle boss sharply to free stud. Install Spring Compressor (T82P-5310-A for 3.8L engine, or D78P-5310-A for 4.6L engine).
- Tighten forcing nut on spring compressor until drag is felt on nut. Remove and discard ball joint nut. Raise entire strut and spindle assembly, and wire aside to obtain working room. Remove and discard control arm-to-crossmember pivot bushing nuts and bolts.
- Spring compressor forcing nut may have to be tightened or loosened for easier bolt removal. Loosen compression rod forcing nut until spring tension is relieved. Remove forcing nut, lower control arm and coil spring.