How to Install a Control Arm on a Car

Replacing the ball joints on your car can be done in just a few hours, with only a couple of specialized tools and some patience. This can save you time, money and the hassle of taking your car to a professional mechanic to have the ball joints replaced. Installing a control arm is part of this process.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Install the ball joint before continuing with the control arm installation.

2. Press the new ball joint in place using a ball joint press, which you can rent from an auto parts store. The ball joint press kit can be expensive to buy and is not worth the investment, as it will be used just once during the life of your vehicle.

3. Check the jack stands and floor jack to make sure they are secure. Never get under a vehicle that is not secure. Take with you the control arm assembly, a socket wrench, a socket and the retaining bolts you removed earlier in the process.

4. Slip the control arm assembly back into the place you removed it from. Start the first control arm bolt, but do not tighten it down. You must line up and start all the bolts before tightening anything down in case they don't line up correctly the first time you try.

5. Use the socket and socket wrench to tighten the control arm bolts to the torque specifications listed in your vehicle's repair manual. Once you have them all tightened, you are ready to move on to the next part of your reinstallation.