Note. Two different types of lower control arms can be used. The first type lower arm is a forged steel structure with a removable ball joint, and the second type lower arm is a forged steel structure with a fixed ball joint. The following procedures apply to Type 1 lower control arm only.
Note. When installing, use a new ball joint clamp bolt nut and new ball joint nuts.
Removing
1. Place wheel chocks under the rear wheels. Raise the front of the vehicle and securely jack stands under it (see «Lifting and placing the car on supports»). Remove the corresponding front wheel.
2. Remove the nut, then remove the lower control arm ball joint clamp bolt from the steering knuckle. Throw away the nut; when installing, use a new one.
3. Drive a small chisel into the slot on the steering knuckle to widen the slot slightly to remove the ball joint pin. Pull the lower control arm down to release the ball joint pin from the steering knuckle. To do this, you will need to use a long rod and a wooden block, which is brought under the front subframe. Lock the rod to the suspension arm as shown. It is preferable to use a chain or, alternatively, a strong collar or cable. Press the outer edge of the rod down to release the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
4. After releasing the ball joint, remove the protective plate that is installed on the ball joint pin.
5. Turn away three nuts, and then take out bolts of fastening of the spherical joint and remove the joint from the lower arm (pic. 7.5, a, 6). Throw away the nuts; when installing, use new ones.
Pic. 7.5, a. Remove three bolts...
Pic. 7.5b....and remove the lower arm ball joint
6. Verify that the lower arm ball joint moves freely without any sign of binding. Check the ball joint dust boot for signs of deterioration, cuts or cracks. Replace worn or damaged elements as necessary.
Installation
7. Position the ball joint at the end of the suspension arm and insert the three suspension arm bolts. Screw new nuts onto the bolts and tighten them to the specified torque.
8. Install the wear plate on the lower arm ball joint, and then, using the same method as for removal, insert the ball joint pin into the steering knuckle, making sure that the protrusion on the wear plate correctly enters the clamping slot. Insert ball joint clamp bolt (from the back of the steering knuckle), and then screw on a new nut and tighten it to the specified torque.
9. Install the wheel, lower the vehicle and tighten the wheel bolts to the specified torque.