How to Replace Lower Control Arms ?? Drivers Side.

[2000SilverSVT]

Can anyone help me with how to replace the Drivers Side Lower Control Arm (LCA)? I do not see a way to remove the front bolt because the transmission is directly above and there is not enough room to remove the bolt. Do you have to drop the subframe to have enough clearance? I have also thought about cutting the bolt and putting a new one in upside down with the nut at the top. I have searched the How To's and the old an new forums but did not find anything on this problem.

Thank You

[BrApple]

you have your choice .... cut the bolt and install a new one (please make sure you get it from a dealer as it is a very special typr of bolt) ... or you can lower the subframe and get clearence to remove the bolt ...


I have done the 4 bolt arms both ways and a 2 bolt by dropping the subframe and it is way easier to get the arm into the subframe by lowering the subframe ...

[Heywood]

Its not as safe to have the bolt put in upside down because if the nut comes off the bolt can just fall out. Just something to think about it.

[2000SilverSVT]

How many of the bolts in the subframe need to be removed? I have pulled the two on the drivers side and there is no improvement in clearance? Do the passenger side bolts have to be removed as well and the engine and transmission supported with jackstands?

Replacing the suspension on this car is by far the biggest PITA I have ever encountered. Subaru STi. 3 Hours no problems. My RX-7 2 Hours max. Volvo 850 3 Hours. Ford Contour 7+ Hours and counting. Sheez.

I would like to meet the suspension team for this car and kick them all in the Nutz.

[BrApple]

yes if you want to lower the subframe you need to discconnect the two roll resistors, disconnect the steering and remove teh four bolts and lower ... remember there are some lines attached to the subframe so be careful of those if you don't dissconnect the mounting point ....


I agree with putting the bolt in upside down ins't safe but you could always safety wire it .... also be aware the bolt might be to long and could hit the trans case ...

[TourDeForce]

yes if you want to lower the subframe you need to discconnect the two roll resistors, disconnect the steering and remove teh four bolts and lower ... remember there are some lines attached to the subframe so be careful of those if you don't dissconnect the mounting point ....


I agree with putting the bolt in upside down ins't safe but you could always safety wire it .... also be aware the bolt might be to long and could hit the trans case ...

That is correct. I did the upside down bolt thing in my first Contour & had to grind it down a bit to keep the tranny off of it. I never had a problem with the bolt backing out as the nut was a ny-lock, but it was certainly on my mind as I checked it regularly until the car was totalled.

For my Mystique, I dropped the driver side of the SF (only had to undo the front roll resister & the driver side motor mount) & jacked the engine up as far as practical. That gave me juuuuust enough room to slide the bolt in/out for the arm R&R. I'll do it that same way for the daughters Contour as her control arms & ball joints are likely due for replacement soon.

[SVTJON87]

dont you need the SF alinment tool?

[TourDeForce]

dont you need the SF alinment tool?

I didn't touch the bolts on the passenger side, so any alignment issues SHOULD be minor to none. As long as the subframe pivots back up to near the original spot, alignment shouldn't be an issue. For the record, I did get an alignment after the install anyway - which the shop screwed up & I had to take the car back, which they screwed up again, so I took it to a competent shop & had it aligned a third time & now it's perfect.

<=== (* Shoulda left the alignment alone *)