Instructions on replacing upper and lower control arms
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New User
Joined: May 2009
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Instructions on replacing upper and lower control arms
Hi guys,
Can anyone direct me to a website or thread that explains how to replace control arms. I have a 2005 F150 5.4L Super Crew. I know the uppers are bad. How can I tell if the lowers are bad too? My hubby and I just replaced the solenoid/actuator so it doesn't look that difficult, but would like a little more info.
Can anyone direct me to a website or thread that explains how to replace control arms. I have a 2005 F150 5.4L Super Crew. I know the uppers are bad. How can I tell if the lowers are bad too? My hubby and I just replaced the solenoid/actuator so it doesn't look that difficult, but would like a little more info.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
I'm guessing you need ball joints?????
The upper arm isn't too bad, the lower arm doesn't need to be replaced, you can replace just the ball joint.
Upper arm,
1, remove the wheel
2. remove nut from the ball joint
3. remove the spring and shock assembly
4. Pull out two bolts holding control arm
Put new control arm back in place and replace in reverse....don't forget to torque
The upper arm isn't too bad, the lower arm doesn't need to be replaced, you can replace just the ball joint.
Upper arm,
1, remove the wheel
2. remove nut from the ball joint
3. remove the spring and shock assembly
4. Pull out two bolts holding control arm
Put new control arm back in place and replace in reverse....don't forget to torque
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Thanks Ryan50. Everyone says the lower ball joint has to be pressed too and I don't have a press, so I bought the new lower control arm/ball joint assembly. Is this correct? I bought Moog parts so I should have a life time warrantly now. I don't even know if the lowers are bad, I just read it is most likely they will go soon. If the Lower BallJoint doesn't need the control arms too then do they need to be pressed? (2005 F150)
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New User
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Thanks Ryan50. Everyone says the lower ball joint has to be pressed too and I don't have a press, so I bought the new lower control arm/ball joint assembly. Is this correct? I bought Moog parts so I should have a life time warrantly now. I don't even know if the lowers are bad, I just read it is most likely they will go soon. If the Lower BallJoint doesn't need the control arms too then do they need to be pressed? (2005 F150)
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
Yes and no....by pressed...you can buy or rent a ball joint press for not much money...if you have an auto zone or advanced auto parts they rent them pretty cheap (free).....otherwise.....
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38335
still cheaper than replacing the whole arm.....
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38335
still cheaper than replacing the whole arm.....
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 137
Likes: 11
Don't want to hijack this thread, upper control arm seems pretty easy. What concerns me a bit is access to the lower balljoint. Can anyone shed some light on the lower, like what parts to remove to get to the point where you can remove the joint itself. Do we need to remove knuckle, axle nut etc. Like others I have my parts on order and plan to tackle in the next couple of days.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
You should be able to remove the nut and then pull the knuckle out of the way....Otherwise...if youre doing the top and bottom you could pull the knuckle all the way off if you have a 2wd.....but i'd be more work than its worth to pull the knuckle if you have the 4wd with axle shaft going through the knuckle....
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 137
Likes: 11
I have a 4x4, so I think what you are saying is I can get to and remove the lower ball-joint without removing the knuckle?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
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From: Neenah, Wisconsin
Theres no actual reason why you'd have to pull the whole knuckle off IF your able to get the ball joint press in place...
What i'd try is this....
put the truck up on jackstands....pull the snap ring off the ball joint and get the lower arm and knuckle separated....then get the knuckle pushed back as far as you can toward the back of the truck....and try and get the ball joint press in there....i'll bet money you'll have enough room to do it without removing the rest of the knuckle
What i'd try is this....
put the truck up on jackstands....pull the snap ring off the ball joint and get the lower arm and knuckle separated....then get the knuckle pushed back as far as you can toward the back of the truck....and try and get the ball joint press in there....i'll bet money you'll have enough room to do it without removing the rest of the knuckle
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