How to Replace a Control Arm (upper or lower)

Replacing Upper Control Arm. Learn how to replace an upper control arm and ball joint quickly and easily with no special tools required. Follow the step by step video and you can fix your own car and save a lot of money as well as get the job done correctly!
Inexpensive Control Arms I use:amzn.to/1IBs3wj
Torque Wrench I use: amzn.to/1N65Maz
Socket Set I use: amzn.to/1BlL0Tj
*PLEASE WATCH if you are doing this job: • Control Arm Bushing Pr...
How to replace a ball joint: • How to Replace a Ball ...
How to replace a lower control arm: • Replacing Lower Contro...
How to replace a tie rod: • How to Change Tie Rods...
*If the video was helpful, remember to give it a "thumbs up" and consider subscribing. New videos every Thursday*
-Website: www.ChrisFixed...
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.

[@curious_gage]

I just realized it must be a pain to keep moving your nice camera when your hands are all greased up.

[@Futurebeefcake]

He has gloves so he just switches pairs

[@reginaldmadlock]

Probably mostly touching the tripod but i can definitely see it being annoying

[@orion4329]

​@@Futurebeefcakesmart guy haha thank you lol

[@davidlessig]

i've watched alot of these how to car videos and yours are by far the best....straight to the point...you give alot of useful information and you SHOW everything you're doing you don't just do the whole project off camera and then talk about what you did without showing it...i like how you walk us through step by step as if we know nothing! Much appreciated it really helps...also you don't ramble on about useless stuff to waste my time!! Keep up all the great videos I'm learning a lot.

[@brodie7500]

Gas lines for Lincoln towncar

[@JustinP117]

David, I could not agree with you more. ChrisFix you rock! I've started doing all the work on my car myself since finding your channel. Thank you for the help so much.

[@batoot2die100]

Same feeling here, you said what I wanted to say

[@eagleeyes170]

your videos are extremely satisfying to watch. amazing attention to detail and very smooth technique. excellent work!

[@chrisfix]

Ahmed E Thanks a lot Ahmed!

[@adrianb2862]

Ahmed dddss

[@chrisfix]

Make sure you PreLoad the bushings when tightening the control arm! I used a jack, but definitely watch this if you are replacing a control arm! Control Arm Bushing Preload, Important Information!

[@seymorgh]

+ChrisFix In this video you snugged both sides camber bolts before you PreLoaded the bushing. Is that what you mean? Thanks again.

[@LB-sh7qt]

yesterday i was in a parking lot drifting my fwd car for fun and i hit a covered up hole and now my tire is not held by enything it tuches the side of the car but still spins and it does not turn left what is the problem please help

[@alsaud76]

Grate job from a great person

[@SteveBassTutorials]

ChrisFix inhuman

[@MiguelGonzalez-yl5vf]

I don't know why I assumed you would grease the rubber supports on the arm

[@ff5gus]

Nicely done.... I'm done watching kilmer

[@acmtuna]

i like Kilmer's sense of humor

[@stphanienunez5502]

Your videos are really helpful and easy to understand ! Thank you !

[@chrisfix]

Stphanie Nunez Awesome! That is the goal so I am glad they are helpful!

[@SergeantExtreme]

A woman who changes her ball joints? Marriage material! 😍

[@JayCeeMax]

Just like your most recent one from a month ago (How to Replace Control Arms and Bushings to Fix a Bouncy Suspension), Yu were real detailed in this one as well. I like the older videos as well. I'm using these to replace my lower control arms and spring to fix my noisy suspension on my 2013 Lincoln mkZ aka Ford Fusion. Thanks @ChrisFix!

[@gertiecraign5334]

Thank you so much for making such thorough tutorials. The upper and lower ball joints on my 2000 B3000 must be replaced and I don't have enough money to pay a mechanic. My car repairing experience is extremely minimal, but after watching your videos, I'm pretty confident that I can do it myself. I'm really grateful for how well you've explained each step of the process and the camera angles you've chosen. It's very well done. I'm still quite nervous, of course. I certainly don't relish that one bolt that invariably will not budge to my feeble upper arm strength and will cost me an hour of my life and the skin on most of my knuckles. However, if I'm successful, you will have saved me nearly $400, plus the weeks I'd be without a vehicle, while waiting to pull that much money together. You're providing an excellent service to a lot of people who need it. Thank you very much.

[@chrisfix]

Gertie Craign You are welcome. One mistake I made in this video is when you have the new control arm on and tighten the camber bolts, first hand tighten them, then put the truck on the ground, then tighten the bolts all of the way with the truck on the ground. It will help your bushings last longer. I am editing a new version and I have a special video explaining all of this. If you have a breaker bar, you wont have any problem making any bolt move.

[@gertiecraign5334]

A breaker bar is definitely on my list of things to buy. I'm finally gonna buy a torque wrench too...been wanting one for years. Is the special video you mentioned already out there, or is it still in production?

[@chrisfix]

It will be out at the end of the week. I have it made but I am releasing two videos today on flushing the brake system and how to make a one person brake bleeder so stay tuned!

[@gertiecraign5334]

I'll stay tuned! :-) Thanks, again!

[@darkprismgraphics]

4L 2000 exploder. that right driver cam bolt is too long to come out. has anyone removed without cutting? theres not much room to cut by those fuel lines!

[@dadlesvostrosdecomer8786]

As always Chris like the rest of your tutorials, you make seem really simple, keep up the good work helping us tree shade mechanics.

[@TylerHankss]

Not entirely accurate. MAKE SURE VEHICLE IS AT REGULAR RIDING HEIGHT WITH FULL WEIGHT ON THE WHEELS BEFORE TIGHTENING SUSPENSION COMPONENTS!!

[@benhinckley]

Hey Chris, Where can I find all of the torque values for all bolts on my 1999 Toyota Sienna Thanks!

[@LegoboyN781]

If you want to attempt to try to keep the alignment you can mark the positions of the bolts with a paint marker or something and then try to lineup the new control arms.

[@chrisfix]

Thanks for the tip!

[@kwskater223]

@@chrisfix do you have any tips to fix a stuck bushing in lower control arm? It looks like I bent the two brackets inward when I pressed the bushing

[@jamarfluent3060]

Hey Chris so I have a bit of a Dilemma, I bought a car the other day, went to get an alignment and the mechanics told me it can't be aligned because it needs control arms, tie rods, a toe bar and bushings. I was just wondering as a college student who does some repairs himself should I keep this car and try to do some repairs myself or should I sell it and get something else?

[@arainbowinthedark2]

Hey Chrisfix, can you do a video on the lower arm of your Ranger, I have damaged mine and need to see how to replace it...if possible.

[@knocknoc77]

I cant stress enough how great your videos are, One thing I would like to see in your videos are an estimate of avg time to do the job ex: It takes me about x hrs to do this with hand tools. I know there are variables involved but a general idea will help us decide if we should do it ourselves vs taking it to the shop or wether it is something we have to plan out our day to do.. One last thing you didnt replace the upper ball joint you replaced the entire arm is this because there are bushings on the upper arm (i think you called them cambers) that wear out just like the ball joint does so it is better to replace the whole thing.

[@AndYUKnowTHIS]

Mechanic wants to charge me $500 Labor for this......

[@clv5045]

If that includes alignment afterwards then that really isn't terribly high.

[@UMGL420]

came back to these videos after a shop quoted me 2500 for bearings, brakes, calipers and a control arm/ball bearing replacement...I spent $800 on parts and saves 1700 on labor, absolute life 9 years later!

[@johnsimpson7349]

Thanks that help me a lot. I put the lock bolts in back award. Thats why it was making noise.

[@arliebox4404]

Chris, I really like your videos, got started on them in FRF. If this is on your Mazda, it appears to on the left side. The right side is the different animal, especially when it's the 2 piece design with over 200,000 miles on it. Something on that side (right) would be great as long as it stays 2 piece. changing over to the upgraded 1 piece is not in the cards for my Ranger at this time. I need to replace the bushings on all 4 control arms. The last time I did it was on a '69 Buick Sportwagon in the mid/late '70s.

[@dbarnes420]

Everything people say about your videos being the best is very true Chris. Hands down the best video on this subject. Your close up shots are so helpful. I have watched a ton of your videos and you are the best there is. Your videos have helped me gain not only knowledge but also confidence. Thank you so much for what you do and for doing it so well.

[@Kevin_747]

Well done videos for what can be unpleasant work when not approached with some planning. Your videos give a person an edge when tackling this task.

[@chrisfix]

Kevin N Thanks and that is exactly why I make my videos!

[@jerelinewilliams5547]

Can you get me an upper Contol arm for a 2002 Saturn L-300

[@landonatwood7796]

Chris, where do I get my torque specks for my vehicle? That is very useful! And I am very found of your work! Keep it up man!!! I've done the headlights, cracked windshield, 1 year tire shine, and who knows what else!!! You help me out a lot man thank you so much

[@kidsachamp]

+Landon Atwood i second that any suggestions on where to find torque specs

[@ryantedesco6594]

+kidsachamp the fsm for your car has everything you need to know

[@DW-pr9hk]

how about "www.torkspec.com" ?

[@chreysea4u]

Landon Atwood 9

[@OptimisticPessimist]

Torque to yield, then back off a quarter turn

[@elizarobinrobinson4294]

Good video. I have a question. My 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6 3.9L. Is having a lot of problems. I replaced the front wheel bearings and ABS sensors but the traction control is still on. Now it seems I have a problem with the RR wheel sensor wire harness. Can I solder in a new clip? The line is broken just before the clip. They want 156.00 for the harness and over 200 for the rear wheel bearing. ??? Does that sound right? The transmission is slipping. The fluid level is correct. It feels like I am driving with the emergency brake on. Using a lot of gas. Is there a sensor on top of the transmission? Or somewhere that controls the shifting? I am a poor 70 year old woman, but I am handy. Changed the wheel bearings myself. I really need this van because I live in it. Pensions not that good. There is 250,000 kilometres on it ( about 150,000 miles) . Any suggestion's. I am going to change the tie rods, thanks for showing me how.

[@chekawana]

You sound so different in you're recent videos lol must be all the money you make now just rolling in hahahhaa

[@chrisfix]

I'm a lot more excited to be able to help out millions of people! And I wish I had money "rolling in" lol

[@RescueResponceTeam]

I have a 2001 Ford Expedition XLT 4X4 4.6L I'm about to do some replacing of parts and this clip helps out a lot thanks Chrisfix

[@chrisfix]

Awesome! I'm glad you find the video helpful! Let me know how that job goes!

[@davidredfearn664]

I'm doing this on my truck because it seemed easier than just changing just the ball joint. You make it look way too easy on the side with the brake line. Mine almost made me go postal. Lol

[@vernonbeckstrom7635]

How did you get around the lines. They are metal.

[@cahernand1]

Love how you gave out every detail, great job! And really clear!

[@chrisfix]

cahernand1 Thanks! That is how I try to make all of my how to videos!

[@Odeezyyyyhoe]

By far the best video and very helpful thanks 🙏

[@guywittamic]

what about a lower ca when there is a torsion bar?

[@Ecodelia]

Chrisfix, thanks for this one. Nice job, I'll be doing this on both sides tomorrow. exact same ball joint on 2001 Ford Explorer. Crow bar and jacking up are great ideas!

[@a.jjames6099]

Alright Chris I’m going to give your video a shot and follow your steps.

[@Gabriel-pj2bk]

Howd it go?

[@boyracer3000]

This was a great video, thank you! Would you recommend changing both sides at the same time?

[@lukescholey5872]

Vincent Vega of course. Why would you run a new one and old worn one on the other side. It’s going to ride uneven.

[@willmorris256]

Can you do a video on a 2008 F150 NON LARIAT if possible?

[@Jay-ym2ch]

Man you make it look easy

[@tacomsal]

Watched this video several times before tackling this project. I did both upper control arms on my 99 Ford Ranger and then had it aligned. It was as easy as you said. Truck Rides great.. Thanks again for the videos.

[@chrisfix]

+Sully Cop That is awesome!!! I love hearing stories like this so thanks for sharing! Nice work too!

[@rajeevmahajan8792]

Thanks for your videos. They really help me understand how the systems of a car work. I am amazed at your camera shots in tight spaces!

[@dangilbert482]

Could you just replace the upper ball joint or do you have to replace entire arm when doing this job ? THANKS FOR THE GREAT VIDEOS

[@tinkerscorner54]

You are supposed to tighten the control arm bolts AT RIDE HEIGHT (i.e. weight on wheels). It not, your bushings will not last very long. Other than that, good video. I was initially looking to see your method of marking the cam washers. Thanks.

[@chrisfix]

Thanks for sharing and thanks a lot!

[@bertgrau3934]

I am going to change the ball joints on my 2001 Lincoln Town Car, the tops look easy, but they too need to be aligned when finished, I'm doing the bottoms first. Then after the tops will have it realigned. Thank you for your videos. I have worked as a big truck mechanic for several years, but they use King Pins, not ball joints. They can be difficult, but I'm thinking ball joints may not be as difficult as king Pins.

[@dougbrooks-k3h]

very clear concise information nicely done thumbs up

[@inspector1963]

The parts were not ordered through Rockauto, but off eBay, they emailed us and said "exact fit" but never asked about the suspension system, what type the truck had....so be careful when ordering parts

[@reynaldocalderon5948]

is true..

[@MarksmanX4L]

Can you help me out please, I want to replace my up control arms on a 2002 Sequoia, and the ones I'm looking to buy have the ball join facing a different direction then the OEM control arm ball joint. In other words, the OEM ball joint has flat part underneath the the steering knuckle. The aftermarket arms I want to get have the flat part of ball joint above steering knuckle with ball joint stem pointing down. Are these interchangeable?

[@alexanderjohansen198]

Thanks for a good video. I, of course, have the Haynes manual for Honda CR-V, but allways good to also have a look at a video. What I was wondering about, is the alignment. If I only replace the upper control arm, as you showed in the video, and are vere careful when I do so, will it be necessary with an alignment, or do you think it will be fine without? Hoping to not use money on the alignment, that usally in Norway cast between 150 and 200 dollars (US).

[@andyelgohary13]

Hey Chris, I need your opinion. I am trying to replace the front left control arm in my Nissan Versa 2011. However, the middle bolt can't get it out as it blocked by the suspension member. I have no clue how to change. I already did the right which is not bad. If you have any ideas, I deeply appreciate it. Thank you in advance

[@williamsagee2108]

Hi @CrisFix I am Buying some new upper control arms and shocks for my Nissan Xterra 2000 Although there going to give me a 3 inch lift will i need to loosen the torsion bar or can i just jack up the router ?

[@jonh3577]

year make and model would be really helpful in the video description SO people don't waste time looking.... like get a CLUE

[@Sabik987]

Hey Chris, I bought an upper control arm for my ‘02 Ranger. Wishbone style. But it seems like the joint that goes into the knuckle is a bit too thick. Is there a way i can get around this or is it a manufacturing defect? I tried hammering the dam thing like crazy but it wont go

[@Squddle]

Hey ChrisFix, I'm replacing a lower control arm on my suburban and ordered the part. When it arrived with the new ball joint installed, I noticed that the ball joint they sent was the one used on their aluminium arms. I have the cast iron arm, and the ball joint from their aluminium. It is taller than the one used in their cast iron arms and is domed. Assuming it will even fit, my question is, will it be safe to use? There is approximately 1/8" gap between the snap ring and the arm, enough to easily fit 2 snap rings in there. I'm ready to install it, but was trying to avoid sending this one back. Would it be safe to use since the ball joint I received was the one that was engineered to be pressed into aluminium and not cast iron? Please let me know if you or anyone here knows. Thank you.

[@cata2d]

Can someone explain how 491.442 people need to replace their wishbone control arm on their truck? Great vid ;)

[@edpevaz]

El perno del brazo que entra. En orificio. Se debe. Mover. O debe quedar apretado cuando se cruza el tornillo. Yo cambie una. Pero. Gira. Aunque el tornillo está apretado

[@DespairMisery]

On my ball joint and knuckle, I think I tightened up mine too much, my ball joint on the upper control arm is too squished and all the grease is squeezed out.. what do I do?

[@duanedoak9336]

Thank you so much. I keep changing part after part lol might be time to buy new lol but hey 400k miles befor my upper arm needed replaced

[@bmbkg4266]

Make it look easy 😮

[@edgardodelacruz4161]

I can't but the screw back him how did you do it I have an 01 Ford Explorer and it's difficult

[@angelberthoteroful]

My mechanic is telling me my rack and pinion is bad on my Mazda 3 2015 ....... I would be a million times grateful if there was a video for that. He wants to charge me 450 buckssss

[@James-hg5tk]

Sounds like a decent deal

[@Cressida_mx73]

How do u estimate the amount of space needed to connect the control arm to the knuckle. Hopefully gonna be doing this to my 1986 toyota cressida.

[@backwoodsredneck]

I'm a mechanic as well on the passenger side front every time I press on the brake pedal or I slow down sound like a rusty spring I have it narrowed down but can't quite pin point the problem

[@Nathan8rr]

For some reason when I put the new control arm into the knuckle the punch bolt won’t go back in. I tried greasing it, wiggling it and jacking up the knuckle but it’s not going in. Should I drill the pinch bolt hole slight larger?

[@jkgkjgkijk]

Remove speed sensor and brake line from clip prior to the project hardware. You should redo this video cause it has flaws. Consult a mechanic.

[@marcmitchell1388]

Thank you ChrisFix. Great video for us amateur weekend mechanics. One question. Does it make a difference if my 03 ranger with the same control arm type has front coil springs?

[@chrisfix]

Marc Mitchell No problem man! Glad the video was helpful! Your upper control arm replacement will be identical to what I did here. Also, watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4LGq4mVa9tnaKM Let me know how it goes and definitely subscribe!

[@bradforddrake8633]

Fabulous video!

[@nickpusek5537]

so if you are replacing bushings you can use the same bolts, but if you are replacing the whole control arm you don't have to?

[@matthewhanak]

I have a two piece upper control arm on my explorer's passenger side. What is the top part called that bolts to the body? I can't find the name anywhere.

[@jeohvanydelgado7125]

The mechanics said I have some bad steering components on my truck could that be the reason my truck had felt a little stiffer lately? I tried new shocks but it only helped a little bit

[@audrashaw1171]

Nice! Love how you don't have a ton of intro, get to it and are smart about it.

[@relevant1683]

I torqued all the bolts down but the whole control arm moves up and down a little bit but that’s with no pressure on it.

[@alfredocisneros7610]

When you spray the fluid in the nuts and bolts do you have to let it dry? I stripped a lugnut after spraying it. The tire was long overdue anyways.

[@Bman7wd]

control arm is not coming of, see the way you pit a crowbar under the control arm and just lift it is not that easy, i used a millit to beat it out and used the crowbar it is extremely hard i have a 99 Lincoln navigator plz help

[@ArmenArmenjs]

The new upper CA, the BJ is it serviceable meaning, can you press is out & install a new one later?

[@venturadiaz1924]

i have a chevy impala 2008 that makes a noise towards the wheel when i turn left, could this be the issue ??

[@jdmchickkustomz9417]

And how do you remove it when it has a lock nut on it and it seized up? Make it look so easy and then it's rusted inside and has to be cut off

[@radcop4u]

what type of vehicle is that?? i have to replace upper and lower ball joints on the passenger side. i decided it's just easier to replace the control arms

[@codycox9931]

Can you just replace the ball joint if that's all that is wrong with it? The rubber boot is tore and has caused the ball joint to mess up

[@Blackened88]

My truck is in the shop right now getting this done. Creaking was really bad & the inner part of both the front tires had no more tread.

[@christianbluesman]

I know on mine A 2000 ford ranger xle that back bolt is giving me fits broke a brake line oh well

[@andymedina323]

Hey, Can't you simply replace the ball just like the lower one?

[@petrosrz8990]

Only if my dad allowed me to work on our car 😔. We fucked the lower control arm in our car but my dad wont let me fix it myself 😔.

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

Is this and the tie rod replacement the same on a torsion suspension ranger? Have on 04 ranger that needs tie rods and control arms. Yours is spring, mine is torsion arms. Thanks

[@starjackson2393]

Was your car safe to drive after???

[@chrisfix]

Yes

[@willconner3318]

One of the better and more clear sets of How-To videos I have seen so far. Excellent job Chris.

[@chrisfix]

***** Thank you Will!

[@sorro_tek9599]

amazing vid! my new part squeaks when driving after the rainy days 😢

[@cadennorton7679]

Is it just me or does he sound really depressed compared to his older videos? Maybe he doesn't like doing KZbin anymore

[@jonmarshall3414]

Caden Norton this is an older video of his

[@AhPhoey]

You have a really nice channel, Chris. Excellent explained, easy to follow videos.

[@chrisfix]

+AhPhoey Thanks a lot!

[@DingasPro]

Why a ranger mazda B3000 exaclty? Why not a 1st gen toyota tacoma ?

[@tahaabdullah4278]

What's the smallest ball joint I could get? Dimensions please

[@VdLettuceBadboy]

“Good!”

[@gailsmith8091]

Chris GREAT VIDEO !!! Husband just did both control arms (upper) on our 2006 dodge Dakota quad cab but hoping you can tell me torque specs on our vehicle. ball joint specs and left and right bushing specs???? THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!

[@chrisfix]

+Gail Smith Thanks! Here is info on how to get the torque specs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaeWmX-sqrSSgbc

[@georgeparrilla3438]

Will this work for a dodge Durango 2006?

[@rickmorgan1038]

Is it possible to just press out the ball joint so you don't mess with the alignment?

[@Ifollowmusic1]

I know its an older video but I wanted to ask anyways.. I have a '03 Lexus IS300 I ordered a upper control arm for $32 and my mechanic is changing it for $100. I was curious if that's an okay estimate? It seems simple enough, but I don't trust my mechanical abilities just YET.

[@chrisfix]

+Ifollowmusic1 That is not bad.

[@montelcarlos143]

THANK YOU MASTA CHRIS..... Helpful Video

[@chrisfix]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@GKeiser123]

Chris,I have a 2009 Ford Ranger Sport 2wd and it is not as easy to put the upper control arm back in the knuckle as you make it seem.Any other tricks ? Otherwise,the videos are well done and very informative,Thanks.

[@GKeiser123]

Sorry,Chris.Finally got the part installed,your video was very helpful.Mental error on my part while watching your video.Thanks again.

[@dennismcatee7174]

Which is less time-consuming...changing the lower control arm on an RWD pickup, or changing just the lower ball joint? If it costs an extra $100 or so for hardware, I may as well replace the lower control arm if it's easier for the first-timer.

[@chrisfix]

+Cyprian Cornelius It is easier to replace the ball joint only. Here is the ball joint video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKvXk3SJndOfrtk

[@chasealexander9263]

Hey Chris! Doing this now on my Ranger and the ball joints stuck. I’ve used plenty of penetrating fluid but it just won’t budge.Any other tips?

[@pjwats5647]

Crow bar and hammer at the same time did the trick for me.

[@Leo_2012]

Hey Chris i have a 2003 Ford Ranger 3.0 Edge without coil springs and i'm having trouble putting my upper control arms. One side goes in easily but the other side gets stuck half ways. Any idea or tip how to install them.

[@chrisfix]

+fello Gomez Use a pry bar to help get it in there.

[@lfaulk36]

what size is the axle nut on the fords typically?

[@vernonbeckstrom7635]

How did you get it past the 2 lines on the right side to align the bolt straight.

[@joekalina9535]

Hi Chris. How do you tell if a ball joint is replacable on an upper control arm. I have a 2006 Ford Explorer and I replaced the lower ball joint. But, I can't tell if I can press out the ball joints on the upper control arms. I don't see a snap ring like on the lower ball joint.

[@chrisfix]

+Joe Kalina The upper control arm on the explorer is not removable (just like in my truck). Since you dont see a snap ring, that confirms it is a riveted ball joint.