Upper Control Arm Replacement

Easy step by step guide on how to replace automotive upper control arms, this information may vary per vehicle, but the process is the same with small variations.

Difficulty Scale: 5 of 10

Helpful Information

When dealing with suspension parts rust may be present, spray anti rust such as WD40 will help facilitate the repair.

Before starting inspections and repairs, park the vehicle on level ground, lift it safely using jack stands, transmission in park and the emergency brake set.

Upper Control Arm

Step 1 - Position a jack under the lower ball joint or control arm to relieve downward pressure on the suspension components.

Jack Lift On Lower Ball Joint

Step 2 - After removing the cotter pin (if equipped) use a wrench to loosen the upper ball joint nut, about 3 turns.

Loosen Upper Ball Joint

Step 3 - Insert and wedge a large pry bar between the upper control arm and spindle while pushing downward to apply pressure to the upper ball joint taper fit.

Push Down Pry bar

Step 4 - While holding pressure on the ball joint, strike the spindle bulkhead with a hammer, this will release the taper fit stud from the spindle.

Hammer Strike

Step 5 - Once the taper fit has released, finish removing the ball joint nut.

Remove Ball Joint Nut

Step 6 - Lift the arm from the spindle, use caution if any rubber brake lines are involved when the spindle becomes loose.

Separate Control Arm

Step 7 - Mark the alignment adjusters using a felt pen to reference these marks when reassembling. Other designs use a shim or a series of shims which must be reinstalled as they were removed.

Mark Adjustments

Step 8 - Use a wrench or socket loosen and remove the nut on either side of the arm.

Loosen Nut

Step 9 - After both nuts have been removed, slide the bolts from the control arm mounts while keeping the adjusters in order, then remove the control arm.

Bolt Removed

Step 10 - Once the control arm has been removed, match it against the old part to ensure a proper installation.

New Upper Control Arm

Step 11 - Some control arms are designed using zirk fittings to allow lubricant (grease) to be installed.

Install Zirk Fitting

Step 12 - Install the new control arm into the frame mounts.

Install New Control Arm

Step 13 - While aligning the bolt holes install both mounting bolts.

Reinstall Bolts

Step 14 - Using a wrench or socket to tighten the both mounting bolts while keeping the alignment adjusters or shims in place.

Tighten Nuts

Step 15 - Insert the upper ball joint into the upper spindle bulk head, use a hammer and gently tap the tapper fit into place which will keep the stud from turning while installing the nut.