Front Lower Control Arms

[carbob]

Appreciate the feedback and the reassurance that this is a needed repair based on my thud test. I think I've heard some folks say the ball joint side is critical for torque while the wheel is in the weighted stance and other say the bushing side is critical. The bushing side travels in one direction, the ball joint in multiple directions, the explanation I've heard is by torquing in the unweighted position, there will be binding with movement in the weighted position, I guess that could apply to both sides of the control arm. And they are both accessible on the ground, so finish torquing both on the ground???

[andrewwynn]

The ball joint swivels it doesn't matter when it's torqued.

The rubber bushing doesn't swivel. The rubber twists. If you torque with the wheels floating you will twist the rubber when the wheels are loaded and then over-twist when you hit bumps. Keep that last bolt loose enough the bushing can swivel until the wheel is "loaded".

I do while the car is on stands by lifting the wheel hub until that side of the car floats just a bit off the stand. If I'm being pedantic that day I'll disconnect the sway bar link as that will slightly reduce how far the wheel hub will travel.

[80stech]

If you measure the distance from the center of wheel to the fender opening before you start, you will have reference to tighten the bushings at ride height.

[andrewwynn]

Thinking ahead?! That's like cheating!

(Great idea I will try to remember that next time)

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by 80stech

If you measure the distance from the center of wheel to the fender opening before you start, you will have reference to tighten the bushings at ride height.