How to Remove Upper Control Arm Bolts on Trucks

When replacing the upper and lower ball joints in your truck, you must remove the upper control arm bolts in the process of removing the upper control arm to get to the ball joints. This can be done fairly easily with a socket wrench and socket.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Secure the vehicle on a set of jack stands. Remove the wheel and access the control arm by removing the caliper and caliper bridge. Index the control arm bolts with a permanent marker to know where to tighten them on reinstallation. Place the lug nuts on a magnetic tray to avoid losing them.

2. Use a 1/2-inch drive socket wrench with a 22 mm socket to break loose the nut on the control arm mounting. Turn it counterclockwise until it is hand tight, then use your hand to continue unscrewing and remove the retaining nut. Put it on a magnetic tray or in your pocket to avoid losing it.

3. Remove the cam adjuster mounting bolt using the same method. It is the bolt you indexed earlier. These should be the only two bolts holding the upper control arm in. Some makes, models and year differ from this pattern; remove any additional bolts.

4. Pull off the upper control arm and set it aside. This is a perfect opportunity to inspect the upper control arm for corrosion or damage. If damage is excessive, consider replacing the it.

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