Can You Replace Control Arms Yourself? Tips and Advice for DIY Enthusiasts

Control arms are crucial components of a vehicle’s suspension system. They play a key role in ensuring stability and ride comfort by allowing vertical wheel movement. Replacing control arms yourself might seem daunting, but with proper preparation and tools, it’s a task you can accomplish in your own garage. In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to replace control arms in your car, along with tips on what to watch out for to avoid common mistakes.

What You’ll Need

Before you start replacing control arms, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Here’s a list of items you’ll need:

New control arm kits
Hydraulic jack and stands
Socket and wrench set
Ball joint separator
Hammer
Set of bushings (if worn)
Grease or penetrating oil
Protective gloves and goggles

Step 1: Preparing the Vehicle

The first step is to properly prepare the vehicle for the job. Ensure you have enough space to work and that the car is on a level, stable surface.

Lift the car: Use a hydraulic jack to lift the car. Place it on stands to ensure safety while working.
Remove the wheels: Loosen the lug nuts and remove the wheels to gain access to the suspension.

Step 2: Removing the Old Control Arms

To replace the control arms, you first need to remove the old components. Follow these steps:

Disconnect the sway bar links: Loosen the links connecting the sway bar to the control arms.
Remove the ball joints: Use a ball joint separator to remove the ball joints connecting the control arms to the wheel hub.
Unscrew the mounting bolts: Loosen and remove the bolts securing the control arms to the vehicle’s frame. You may need to use penetrating oil to loosen rusted bolts.

Step 3: Installing the New Control Arms

After removing the old control arms, it’s time to install the new ones. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Install the new control arms: Attach the new control arms to the vehicle’s frame, ensuring they are properly aligned and secured.
Install the ball joints: Attach the new ball joints that connect the control arms to the wheel hub. Use the correct torque to secure them properly.
Reconnect the sway bar links: Reattach the links to the new control arms.

Step 4: Inspection and Testing

After installing the new control arms, it’s essential to check that everything is securely in place and functioning correctly.

Check all connections: Ensure that all bolts are properly tightened and all connections are secure.
Reattach the wheels: Put the wheels back on and tighten the lug nuts.
Lower the car: Carefully lower the car from the hydraulic jack.

Once the installation is complete, take the car for a test drive to ensure everything is working properly. Pay attention to any unusual noises or behavior from the vehicle. If everything is fine, congratulations! You have successfully replaced the control arms in your car.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When replacing control arms, several common mistakes can occur. Here’s what to watch out for:

Incorrect tools: Using the wrong tools can damage the suspension or other components. Ensure you have all the necessary tools before starting the job.
Improper torque: Not tightening the bolts to the correct torque can lead to the control arms loosening while driving. Always use a torque wrench to secure all connections accurately.
Neglecting lubrication: Failing to lubricate the ball joints and bushings can lead to premature wear. Make sure all moving parts are adequately greased.

Conclusion

Replacing control arms yourself can be a rewarding task that saves on service costs. Be sure to thoroughly prepare for the job, use the correct tools, and follow our tips to avoid common mistakes. Regular inspection and replacement of worn control arms, links, rods, ends, ball joints, and bushings are crucial to keeping your vehicle in excellent condition. This will ensure safety and ride comfort for many years to come.