Replace front Lower Control Arm?

Black370

Does anyone have a DIY for replacing a lower control arm? I'd like to do this myself to save labor. Any steps I should follow to remove the existing one and install the new one?

Thanks in advance.

ChrisSlicks

The upper is easy. I haven't seen an aftermarket lower control arm, do you have any links?

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Hotchkis ARB | Stillen CAI | Art Pipes | Berk CBE | Stillen AP Racing Brakes | AE Performance Oil Cooler | BC Racing ER Coilovers | Doran Control Arms

Black370

Yes, here's a link for what I'm looking at. I'm wondering if I'd be able to install this thing myself and what i'd need to do it. Any help is great.

2009 NISSAN 370Z Front Right Lower Suspension Control Arm

ChrisSlicks

Here's a slightly better picture.



It looks easy enough. You will probably need to rent a ball joint separator to separate the stock lower ball joint.

Is yours damaged?

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Hotchkis ARB | Stillen CAI | Art Pipes | Berk CBE | Stillen AP Racing Brakes | AE Performance Oil Cooler | BC Racing ER Coilovers | Doran Control Arms

Black370

That's a good picture. Hmm...ball joint separater? I dont think i've ever seen one before, is there anyway round having to use one? Yes, my favorite mechanic told me it's damaged and needs replacing. He priced parts + labor around $550 so i wanted to see if i could save on labor and do the work myself.

If I do the install myself then the money I save will go towards my oil cooler.

*Edit: You drive a white Z. Is that you i see rolling around the Manassas area? I think we pass each other on the way to work quite often lol.*

ChrisSlicks

Nope not me, I'm in MA.

You can rent a 2-jaw puller from autozone for free. I think they have it listed as a tie-rod puller but it will work fine for that ball joint as well. Can you do it without it? Possibly by backing off the nut applying a little heat and whacking the bottom of the joint with a hammer or placing a jack under it. You're a lot less likely to damage something with the puller. If you decide to buy the tool instead it is only about $25 at Sears.

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Hotchkis ARB | Stillen CAI | Art Pipes | Berk CBE | Stillen AP Racing Brakes | AE Performance Oil Cooler | BC Racing ER Coilovers | Doran Control Arms

Black370

This is getting more complex by the minute lol. I should probably just play it safe and let the mechanic do this one. I thought it was only going to require i unscrew a few things, yank some parts out, and screw some new stuff back in lol.

SPOHN

How actually is it bad. Is the alignment out of whack?

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Black370

It's actually fine. My mechanic did mention it would need to be replaced at some point though. You can really only notice it under heavy breaking or during a left U-Turn. There will be some vibration (not the brakes) and the steering wheel will shake a bit.

threeseventy

How'd that go?