How to Install a Lower Control Arm on a 2000 Dodge Stratus
The Dodge Stratus was introduced in 1995. The 2000 Stratus was offered with three different optional engines: a 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder, a 2.4-liter in-line 4-cylinder or a 2.5-liter V-6. The lower control arm on the 2000 Stratus connects the front steering knuckle to the frame of the vehicle. The lower control arm is a pivoting arm that moves upward and downward along with the suspension. The procedures for installing the lower control arm are the opposite of the procedures used to remove the arm.
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Things You'll Need
- 1/2-inch drive ratchet and socket set
- Open end wrench set
- 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket set
- 1/2-inch drive torque wrench
- New lower control arm
- Tub of bearing grease
- Small pry bar
- 2-ton or greater capacity jack
- 2-ton or greater capacity jack stand
Instructions
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1
Lift the front end of the Stratus with a 2-ton jack, or a jack with greater capacity. Place a 2-ton jack stand beneath the front frame rail of the Stratus, in between the lower control arm mounting holes on the frame.
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2
Install the control arm bushings into the new lower control arm. These are cylindrical bushings that slide into the inner ends of the arm. Lubricate the inside of the bushing mounting hole on the arm, then lubricate the outside of the bushings using bearing grease. Slide the bushings into the lower control arm by hand, until they pop into place.
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3
Install the inner end of the control arm to the frame of the vehicle. Align the bushing ends with the frame. Insert the lower control arm mounting bolts through the lower control arm ends. Install the nuts onto the mounting bolts. Tighten the mounting bolts and nuts together, using a 1/2-inch drive ratchet and torque wrench and socket on one end and an open end wrench on the nut. Complete the tightening of the control arm nuts and bolts with a 1/2-inch drive torque wrench and socket. Set the torque to 110-foot-pounds.
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4
Set a jack beneath the lower ball joint at the outer end of the control arm. The ball joint is integrated into the lower control arm. Push the lower control arm upward, while guiding the ball joint stud into the bottom of the steering knuckle. Continue lifting the control arm, until the ball joint stud protrudes through the lower steering knuckle hole.
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5
Install the ball joint castle nut onto the ball joint and tighten the nut, using a 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket. Tighten the castle nut until you can see the cotter pin hole on the stud at the top of the castle nut. Install the cotter pin through the ball joint stud once the castle nut is tightened far enough. Bend the end of the cotter pin around the ball joint stud to lock it onto the stud.
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6
Install any brake assembly parts you have disassembled. Use a 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket, as well as a torque wrench to reassemble the brake assembly. Install the front wheel onto the Stratus and tighten the lug nuts to 97-foot-pounds of torque, using a 1/2-inch torque wrench and socket.
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7
Raise the front end of the Stratus with a 2-ton jack, and remove the jack stand from beneath the front end. Lower the Stratus to the ground.
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Tips & Warnings
Please take time to read the 2000 Dodge Stratus recalls in the Resources section of this article. There are two for front end suspension, and one recall for the lower ball joint assembly. Recalls are performed in order to replace faulty vehicle parts. Your vehicle may qualify for free repair due to suspension failures on the 2000 Dodge Stratus.
Never lift a vehicle on a slope or uneven ground, because this can cause jacks and jack stands to collapse. Failure heed this warning could result in vehicle damage, personal injury or even death if the vehicle falls on you.
