Broken front lower control arm
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: TX
Broken front lower control arm
Hello,
I hit a pothole driving tonight, a bad one, and the lower control arm snapped. Everything else looks fine. I ordered the part, will be here on Monday. This is my first time doing a lower control arm on this car. Just wanted to know if anybody had any pointers or info on replacing it. It looks pretty straight forward, just a few bolts and that’s it. Do I need any special tools to get the arm out of the lower ball joint or will it come of after I loosen the bolt? Thanks for any info!
I hit a pothole driving tonight, a bad one, and the lower control arm snapped. Everything else looks fine. I ordered the part, will be here on Monday. This is my first time doing a lower control arm on this car. Just wanted to know if anybody had any pointers or info on replacing it. It looks pretty straight forward, just a few bolts and that’s it. Do I need any special tools to get the arm out of the lower ball joint or will it come of after I loosen the bolt? Thanks for any info!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Twt47cvQFjY
but if your asking if the balljoint will fall right out after being unbolted it will not. I’d rent a tool or buy one for it. There are other ways but good luck trying them if your not experienced
but if your asking if the balljoint will fall right out after being unbolted it will not. I’d rent a tool or buy one for it. There are other ways but good luck trying them if your not experienced
Last edited by lexo98; Jan 5, 2019 at 08:15 PM.
Replace the lower ball joint at the same time. Heck, replace the tie rod end and upper too, while you're in there. If you're not reusing a balljoint you can just hammer it out, doesn't matter if you ruin the threads because it's going in the trash. Pickle fork is helpful too (also only if you're throwing the part in the trash after). Ball joint separators make it a lot easier though.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: TX
I’m reusing the ball joint. I’m waiting around to find another gs in better condition and black interior, this car has just too much wrong with it and the complete wrong interior color for me, so I want to replace as little as possible. This car will end up giving me the engine that I plan to tear down and build, as well as spare parts/bolts as needed. I didn’t know I needed a ball joint separater to get the lower control arm to disconnect from the ball joint, so I appreciate that. I’m pretty good working on engines, but haven’t really done work on suspension parts before, so I’m kind of a newb at this, but I need the experience as when I get the new gs I will be slowly replacing everything with New or performance parts and bushings. Is there anything else I should be mindful of? Btw I guess I should have mentioned this is for the lower control arm #1, the straight one not the #2 which is curved.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,568
Likes: 1,392
From: Austin, TX
I am doing a premptive replacement ... directional control was sloppy at higher speed 
. Just make sure you get the newer control arms (TRD type). I will be heading to an alignment shop afterwords. Only advice would be dont piecemeal the suspension, get all of it done once and then pay once for alignment.
Salim
PS ... Just noticed we are talking about different parts.
. Just make sure you get the newer control arms (TRD type). I will be heading to an alignment shop afterwords. Only advice would be dont piecemeal the suspension, get all of it done once and then pay once for alignment.Salim
PS ... Just noticed we are talking about different parts.
Last edited by salimshah; Jan 5, 2019 at 11:55 PM. Reason: PS to ps
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Alexusc300
SC - 1st Gen (1992-2000)
1
Jun 6, 2015 03:09 PM
CManolo
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
3
Dec 5, 2014 03:35 PM