upper control arm DIY?

[smithm5]

whats all involved in this? looked through some DIY sites and cant find anyhting.

any guides?

[isaac@bvamotors]

Here is a quick run down.

1. Pull the center cap for your wheel and loosen the axle bolt(17mm Allen)
2. Jack up the car and pull the wheel
3. Remove the bolt on the top off the tie rod end(13mm head)
4. Remove the Nut for the pinch bolt for the tie rod going through the knuckle(16mm)
5. Knock the tie rod end out of the knuckle
6. Next remove the pinch bolt(16mm) holding the control arms into the knuckle and knock the control arms up and free of the knuckle
7. Next you need to remove the bolt securing the shock to the lower control arm(18mm), you will need to turn the assembly to one side because the bolt will hit the other control arm
8. Remove the 3 bolts(16mm head) that are at the top of the strut assembly and yank the thing out of there. There might be a small speed nut like spring clip holding the strut assembly in if they have never been removed before. Use a screwdriver to pry it out first.
9. Now you actually get to remove the control arms, Make sure to do it one at a time. You do this so that you can make sure they are installed in the same position so you don't mess with your bushing pre-load. Bolts and nuts are both 16mm head
10. Install in reverse

Always use new self locking nuts, Say a lot of prayers first so that your main pinch bolt holding in the control arms doesn't seize on you. Cause that one is a mother.

If you want. Jesse and I could do them over here at BVA. Labor would run 320 for all 4 control arms replaced if you brought all your own parts.

Hope this helped a little. I just threw it together from memory. Not actually looking at a car so I hope it is right haha.

And always replace the axle bolt.

[idrivemyself]

Yep, I'd agree with Isaac. He listed everything except pictures and an alignment check afterwards.

Just an alignment check though, most shops will check your alignment for free or for $5-$10 and then any adjustments that need to be done will be made at the shop's regular price. Just make sure to ask for a check first, not the full blown deal.

[smithm5]

well trying to save some costs here on labor, hence the DIY.

i would only need to do the fronts (actually one, but might as well do both).

im looking at doing this in next few weeks, when i can make some time. anyone wanna help?:):):)