How To Replace Upper Control Arm 04-09 Ford F150

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@stopdeletingmyaccount125]

Add stress

[@marknodine9795]

I watched the video just to be sure the replacement would go as I thought. Other than a couple steps I don't need, it's right on. I ordered the control arms from y'all bc I've used your videos a couple times to replace things on the wife's Civic. I saved $40 ordering from you vs buying from the chain stores so it's a win win. Your instructional videos are much appreciated.

[@hahanoob1699]

I love how they make this job a nice neat 12 minute video when in reality it's 3 hours of knuckle busting with a friend per side.

[@garyyost3464]

You said it and I didn't catch it. It's a 12 point socket you need for the axle bolts. A 6 point socket doesn't work. Terrific video, thank you! Couldn't do this job without the time and effort you put into this video.

[@murdoc4794]

The Ford Workshop manual says to tighten the lower strut bolt to 351 Lb-ft !

[@jimmyblankenship846]

Thanks for the video! I did this yesterday morning on my 2005 f150 rwd. Replaced both upper control arms and both strut/springs in about 4 hours. $425 in parts , saved me $900 in labor. I didn't remove sway bar linkage, still was able to get to everything relatively easy.

[@1AAuto]

+Jimmy Blankenship Thank you for the great reply. We love to empower our customers by showing you how-to perform your own auto repairs while installing our high quality auto parts. Have a great day! 1aauto.com

[@skyrim547]

The mechanic charges way to much This was my bill REAR PADS - $90 ROTOR - 120 EACH LABOR - $150 ALTENATOR - $225 + $80 LABOR LEFT FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM $100 + $200 LABOR SAILUN TRAILBLAZER WINTER TIRES - $194 EACH - $780 FULL SET INSTALLED AND BALLANCED LEAF SPRINGS $200 + $280 LABOR ROUGHLY $1405 The best deal was 250$ for Front and Rear rotors and pads Just the Altenator got it for 140$ The Left Front Upper Control arm go it it for 60$ I save 1000$

[@venturafredis]

Thank you for the information for the hour you make of work

[@kyle12678]

My strut came out no problem without removing axle as well. I appreciate the video but a few disclaimers are necessary, Ford must’ve changed stuff mid year here and there,, When I bought upper control arm there were 7 different ones, I had to get the manufacture date off the door to get the right one. Unless you have a factory repair manual specific to your rig, be prepared for some surprises

[@cgschow1971]

I did this recently on an '04 Expedition and didn't have to remove the axle or the lower strut bolt. I did remove the top strut nuts and swaybar link, which allowed the lower arm to drop far enough to move the strut over enough to get the bolts in and out.

[@blakebrannam8658]

2007 4wd f150, i didnt have to remove the axle, also sway bar link is easier to remove from the top if yours bolts straight up like mine. Upper ball joint is actually 85ftlbs, and it was easier for me to torque the control arm bolts before attaching the knuckle, just make sure you hold it level.

[@tbonecanucks]

Not necessary to remove tie rod or axle to remove the strut. Just takes a little maneuvering.

[@mfcrisp]

I found this video helpful, for the most part. Like DapperDan says, there are some steps shown that are not necessary to finish the job. Also, maybe I am alone on this one, but I wish someone had emphasized the importance of NOT removing the center nut on the top of the strut. Now I have to go rent or buy a tensioner to put the strut back together. Otherwise, nice video.

[@sydewayzmo3905]

You dont need to remove the strut or the half shaft. Just the UCA itself.

[@poolej4christ]

You don’t have to remove anything but the upper control arm to replace it. Y’all took off way too much stuff to do a simple job.

[@swavye]

I am about to do this job. How can I get those bolts out without removing the strut?

[@djwilson48625]

I seen that too. I was like "stoooooop!" No need to remove all that. Take out the strut, take out the upper control arm bolts, and it's out.

[@gpacini6995]

Absolutely right brother, ridiculous !

[@flexluther33]

I was just about to say.. why. Why do all that extra work lol

[@chrisoseland4643]

@@djwilson48625 just saved me so much time

[@ShawnMtz_78]

You forgot to take the motor out...!

[@matyisanthony8053]

😂😂

[@nutterbutter48]

I don't have to remove my front axle to take the strut out. seems like that's an extra step that I guess you had to do because of the ready lift strut? I have the 2 inch spacer and had no problem

[@mpsniper933]

Great trick using two wrenches for leverage. Also, thanks for posting the torque specs...it saves a lot of time.

[@Envirotech]

Agreed! That's gonna save me a heck of a lot of time then trying to get a torque wrench in there.. Doesn't even look like I can on the driver's side, maybe the passenger side.

[@spidermangaming8769]

Yeah dude what the hell are you doing I literally just did the job and didn’t take nothing you took off, two studs and one nut is all I took off

[@MrEmuGaming]

Essentially you can just remove the bottom strut bolt then lossen the top 3 strut bolts and drop it out of your way, then remove the upper control arm and replace it with the new one then raise the strut back into place tighten all the bolts and put your tire back on and your done. So many extra time consuming steps in this video

[@shaneb.3982]

Dude what are you doing? You removed alot of unnecessary parts. Your videos are usually spot on. Not this time.

[@papo1515]

I agree.....no way do you have to remove the axel , and why didn't you take off the brake caliper and rotor? that's a lot of weight to be moving around especially with your brake hose on, and I never use a wrench on wrench for leverage, I've seen some nasty slips using that method.

[@billybro1999]

I'm about to tackle this job and was thinking the same thing. I just did my lower ball joints and now I have to go back and do the upper. Mine is a 2wd though but why does the strut need to come out? It looks like I can get to the bolts without removing anything.

[@swavye]

@@billybro1999 It looks like the strut needs to come out to remove the bolts from the upper control arm.

[@NorthernChev]

Armchair quarterbacking but no information to support your comment. See my explanation above for clarification.

[@jsao32]

@@billybro1999 The bolt for the control arm is in a weird way. You have to take it off in order to slide the bolt out.

[@goneballistic]

Just ordered parts. Thanks for the video

[@4deemoney]

Thanks for the video and the parts, save a ton of money and time

[@1AAuto]

Durwin Hickman Thanks for watching 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@NorthernChev]

Let me simplify all this rhetoric in the comments. No, it is not always necessary to remove the axle. Here is why. Once you pop the tie rod end and the upper ball joint out, the entire spindle assembly will very easily lay off to the right, allowing easy clearance for the lower eyelet of the strut to come out. And after removing the top nuts from the strut, it simply falls out easily, allowing access to the inner upper control arm bolts. Also, It isn’t required, but it does make moving the lower control arm out of the way easier if you do remove the stab link first. But just remove the top bolt. Don’t screw around with the mess that is the bottom bolt on the stab link. Easy-peasey.

[@1AAuto]

+NorthernChev Thanks for the feedback!

[@Funexpected]

​@@1AAuto I am going to replace the sway bar bushings and links as well as the control arms and struts. Which should I do first, bushings and links, or strut and control arm?

[@cristianherrera8564]

Isn’t that lower strut bolt supposed to be torqued to 351?

[@Funexpected]

Yes

[@BlakeKirkham5701]

Are the upper ball joints replaceable or nahh cause I can't press mine out for a hit

[@schmidtj157]

Good video, someone know how much is the cost labor to do this job on 04 f150 FX4? I have to do both sides. Thanks

[@maximussaurilius5583]

Do you really want to know the labor price?🤫😱, hold on tight on to something= a lot of money, mechanic is 100$ the hour; make your math

[@Joseph-wu7vm]

like 1k

[@lancecarroll81]

I have a 2012 Expedition and the outer tie rod is mounted with ball joint pointing down, not up like the F150 in the video. I'm wondering if someone installed mine upside down. Any input would be helpful. Not sure if I need to flip mine over.

[@chadcarr8967]

Well that's one way to reach around your elbow to scratch your ass. I saw 3 or 4 extra steps you don't have to do at all unless your replacing your lower control arm as well. I would suggest just replacing the whole 10 piece assembly for 464 from 1aauto because if not you will pay 230 for just the user control arms. Way better deal to buy and replace them all

[@atxjax1]

Thanks for video but needs one correction. The upper Ball joint should be torqued to 85 Lb Ft. The lower one is 111 Lb Ft.

[@jamesclements6999]

Managed to disassemble and reassemble with axle in place.

[@lucada8538]

Awesome tutorial but i dont think removing the tierod and cv axle was needed.

[@mustangford7868]

if you noticed new ones where installed reason for the removal he should listed video as more than just replacing control arm

[@mplscarsales6652]

mustand ford hey at least now we know how to replace everything lol

[@RonaldCagnina]

Also you tighten those struts the shock bolts on top of the three bolts the car has to be on the ground

[@JohnSmith-fw2zf]

You need to remove the tie rod end but not the axle. Remove upper control arm ball joint. Then take coil strut out then rest of upper control arm. That’s it!

[@1AAuto]

+John Smith We appreciate the feedback. Sometimes there are multiple ways to accomplish the same repair.

[@neillameier8644]

My upper control arm's cam bolts have no obstruction on a 07 F150. I just put a jackstand on each side and undid the two bolts and ball joint. I didnt even remove the tire. You guy's are tripping or have an unlucky model.

[@1AAuto]

+Neil Lameier Thanks for checking us out. 1aauto.com

[@joeysanchez5926]

I'm doing an 07 right now and the cam bolts wont come out because they hit the strut.

[@paulsosa1872]

I installed 4x4 complet struts on my 2WD to get rid of the factory rake I just don't like how it pulls down on the upper control arms so much now. Are there frame differences from the 4x4 & 2WD?

[@billybro1999]

yes. totally different frames

[@crankbaitbaron7565]

do you have a video of how to do the lower control arm also?

[@1AAuto]

+Crankbait Baron You can find all videos for your vehicle here: www.1aauto.com/videos

[@01svt4v21]

Do you need alignment after?

[@1AAuto]

+01svt4v21 Thank you for watching. You will want to get an alignment after to ensure all is well and you do not accrue extreme tire wear. 1aauto.com

[@01svt4v21]

1A Auto Parts thanks

[@robsoutdoors81]

does anyone know why my 07 ford f150 4x4 passenger upper control arm is so close to strut spring. I just put a new one. On drivers side you can wrap your whole hand around it, but not on the passenger side. it does have a leveling kit on the front can anyone tell me what to do its driving me crazy.

[@Hollywoodfish]

Why did you take half the truck apart to change the UPPER control arms? Is there a reason as to why you didn't just remove ONLY the upper arms?

[@1AAuto]

+Hollywoodfish Thanks for checking us out. We show this as the vehicle was already jacked up and we use the same vehicle to make several how-to videos. The other videos go more in depth for their respective parts. 1AAuto.com

[@dante777666777]

seems removing and replacing the strut/spring is the biggest part of the job..if the control arm bolts weren't hidden up there the job would be a little easier.

[@1AAuto]

+Dante Steel Thanks for watching. We carry the control arm shown in this video on our website with free shipping. Here's a link to it, in case anyone would like to take a look at them. www.1aauto.com/control-arm-with-ball-joint-driver-side-front/i/1asfu00077?KZbin&CTA%20Comment&ATony

[@Envirotech]

Old comment, I know.. I'm gonna be trying what I've seen another video recommend: just the three 15 mm strut nuts and the top 18mm nut on the sway bar link, then just shimmy it down with a pry bar. I just replaced the sway bar links/bushings a month ago, so they should be the easiest.

[@jamiecooper197]

Dante steel ford makes nothing simple when it comes to repairs. I’m currently working on overhauling almost every component in the passenger side of my expedition and it’s been nothing but a pain in my ass lol

[@martyjosephson4937]

I just replace the lower ball joints on my 2005 f-150 XL 4.2L and the axle nut is 36mm not 13mm not sure where that came from but now you have me worried

[@RonaldCagnina]

And this is a Ford F-150 2004 to 2009 that lower strut bolt is 351 lb of torque

[@kyle12678]

The underside of my lower control arm (2004 expedition) isn’t the same as shown here. The sway bar link isn’t accessible with a wrench, only socket, recessed in a nice little hole, And of course it wants to spin. Special tool required?

[@1AAuto]

+Kyle Chadwick Check the end of the stud, there may be a spot to put an allen wrench or flat headed screw drive to keep the stud from spinning. 1aauto.com

[@kyle12678]

1A Auto Parts yes there’s a place to hold stud end, but when it’s recessed into a hole the only way to get at it is w a deep socket, therefore no way to hold stud. I could see how one of those special ‘thru’ sockets would work here, but. I just tightened it after I let the car off jack. Didn’t spin after putting weight back on it.

[@RonaldCagnina]

Yeah you guys are good the last video but what you're doing right now unless you're changing more than the upper control arms is ridiculous

[@kubotaman85]

I Googled the torque for the lug nuts and it's 150 Ft lbs not 120

[@jamesalbright4666]

This must be on a 4 wheel drive but I’ve got a 2 wheel drive so mine will be easier???

[@bthompson1767]

That inner tie rod is toast

[@1AAuto]

+BRIAN THOMPSON Thanks for the feedback!

[@workingshlub8861]

no need to take out spring/shock....take a sawzall and cut the ends of the factory bolts right to the nut...then you can get a ratchet on that end and box end on the other...pick up a few 9/16 grade 8 bolts ,nuts and lock washers you are good to go...1 hour job..

[@workingshlub8861]

you need to cut the bolt so you can slide it far enough in to clear the arm....otherwise it will hit the spring.

[@1AAuto]

+working shlub Thank you for the suggestions and for watching!

[@nickthegazerofsouls]

But then how do you get the new bolts in with the shock in the way?

[@josephfoster30]

Can't this be done without removing the axle. Just taking the strut out.

[@eaglase]

i agree.. not a mechanic but have seen plenty of vids where they don't have to remove the axle... seems excessive.... but i am just Joe Schmoe.. lol

[@kbollhunt2012]

It can 100% be done without that.

[@reapingecho]

I just went to get alignment done today and found my driver side upper has a bad ball joint. Just watched this video and went out to look at mine and it definitely looks like I could easily replace the upper on mine without removing cv axle and strut/spring. There is plenty of room on mine to get to the bolts on the interior of strut housing.

[@hahanoob1699]

You certainly remove the axle. Did this job without this video and it's apparent you need to remove it for extra room to remove the strut, if you don't you will fight with it forever and at least damage your axle boot. It's 6 12mm bolts.;

[@bartman22x1]

Is this the same as 4wd ???

[@1AAuto]

+casey bartlett We don't have a how-to video for your vehicle right now, but the basic steps in this video should be enough to do this task. Buy this part for your vehicle on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@RonaldCagnina]

Or supported by the jack on the bottom looks like you guys did that but taking that whole thing disassembly from the rotor and all that stuff the axle you don't have to do that the video you guys produce shows nothing like that you're creating more work

[@RonaldCagnina]

The other video from you guys shows not doing that

[@jasonbell5905]

Ford sure made lots of 4 wheel drive trucks

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for watching our video! +jason bell

[@RonaldCagnina]

Air tools speed up the process

[@RonaldCagnina]

The release the reason you loosen the three bolts on the shock and drop it pry it down move it out the way is only get the bolts the right left side of the upper control arm the bolts won't come out with the spring in the way these guys are over killing you do not have to do it

[@123dean4561]

why did he take the axel out

[@RonaldCagnina]

It's only the upper control arm I assume

[@888-m9v]

ive done it without pulling axle

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for the comments and for watching. +w.o.t.

[@rodneybrand8521]

Get er done !!

[@damonleeb]

Definitely doesn’t look like you need to spend an extra half hour to take the axle off

[@nc818]

This makes no sense putting an 8 mm socket on threads

[@lennymorris22]

All that for the uca

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for checking us out. 1aauto.com +L M

[@BRENDAJASON1]

You can’t just buy the ball joint

[@GoldVP...]

Seriously we're just changing out the upper control arm. No need for all that disassembly lol

[@reedneck2417]

How much $ control armd

[@reedneck2417]

How much $ control arms

[@alialiali2000121]

Oh my God, just make it easy and short next time.

[@sydewayzmo3905]

All these videos doing too much! I just swapped my UCA's with removing anything but the UCA. The bolt slides behind the strut and theres plenty of space.

[@joeysanchez5926]

Not on the one I'm working on.

[@johnwillis1361]

Ppl

[@raulenrique5425]

Gracias por tu información.