How To Replace Ford Suspension Control Arms
When it comes to maintaining your Ford vehicle, replacing the suspension control arms is something that can greatly improve your vehicle's handling and safety. In this how-to guide, we'll walk you through replacing the control arms with OEM Ford parts and provide some general guidelines that apply to most Ford models.
Why Replace Your Ford Control Arms?
Control arms are crucial for aligning the wheels and absorbing road shocks. Over time, bushings can wear out, and control arms can bend or break, leading several performance issues, including:
- Poor handling and vehicle stability
- Uneven tire wear
- Noisy steering
Replacing these components can restore your vehicle's performance and extend the lifespan of its tires.
Steps To Replace Your Ford's Control Arms
Image Credit: Taurus Club
It's always a good idea to replace both control arms at the same time on your Ford vehicle. In addition to the OEM parts, you'll need the following tools and materials:
- Socket set
- Torque wrench
- Ball joint separator
- Jack and jack stands
- Safety goggles and neoprene or mechanic's gloves
Replacement Steps
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Prepare Your Vehicle
- Park on a flat surface and apply the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel.
- Jack up the car and secure it on jack stands.
- Remove the front wheel
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Disconnect The Old Control Arm
- Remove the bolts connecting the control arm to the frame and wheel hub.
- You may need to use a ball joint separator to disconnect the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
-
Install The New Control Arm
- Position the new OEM control arm and secure it with bolts.
- Tighten all fasteners to the manufacturer's specifications using a torque wrench.
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Reattach The Wheel
- Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts by hand.
- Lower the car from the jack stands and tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.
Once you've finished the job, take your Ford vehicle on a quiet road to make sure the control arm and the suspension are operating correctly.
Blue Springs Ford Parts Is The Place For OEM Control Arms
When it comes time to replace or upgrade your Ford's control arms, trust the experts at Blue Springs Ford Parts. With over 30 years in the business, we are one of the largest Ford parts departments in the US and offer a huge selection of OEM parts at wholesale prices. We stock just about any OEM part you might need, all backed by Ford’s replacement parts warranty.
Contact our team today and get the perfect control arms at the best price.