HOW TO CHANGE A LOWER CONTROL ARM (MAZDA 3 & 5)

[@GardenTractorBoy]

Replacing the complete lower control arm is probabily easier too. Great job on the replacement

[@EverydayProjects]

It seems to be the “go to” solution to most modern day ball joint repairs. Thanks for stopping by.

[@JustAboutAnything66]

This control arm looks just like the 2010 I'm about to work on. I always like to watch several vids before turning a wrench. Looks like the only difference in the installation/removal is, I'll have to unbolt and jack the motor up to remove the long bolt on the small side of the arm. 4:04 Looks like you had room to remove it without doing that, or did you have to jack up the motor?

[@EverydayProjects]

I didn't have to lift the motor. Good luck with the repair. It's always nice when my videos help someone. Thanks for watching!

[@heliarche]

I always tell people to go to a shop to at least get the alignment checked whenever I have suspension components apart. They never listen... Usually it's no big deal. I'm pretty good about marking things and getting them back where they came. I had one guy call up and he was pretty heated that his car was handling funny after I did tie rod ends so I had to tell him again what I already told him. After a few weeks I saw him, asked if he ever got into the shop. "Oh yea it rides like a new car now.". The guy called me up pretty quick to give me grief when he didn't listen to me but couldn't be bothered to let me know that it worked out.

[@EverydayProjects]

I do all my own work but the one thing I always pass over to a shop is an alignment. I remember years ago alignments were done with mirrors mounted on each wheel and a light would project an "X" on the wall in front of the car. Adjustments made the image change until the alignment was correct. Today, the electronic sensors used can get the alignment that much more precise. I know that some use a string at home and other methods that get you close, but my faith is in a good shop with modern gear. If no parts are needed, most shops will do an alignment for under $100 so it is well worth the effort for driveability and the longevity of your tires. Thanks for commenting!

[@heliarche]

@@EverydayProjects My Dad aligned his vehicles a time or two just to say that he could do it. They tracked straight and the tires wore properly. That's not for me. I'll go to a shop as well. Many of the big tire places will give you a free check if you bought tires there. Even if you have to pay for the checkup, it's still cheaper than premature wear on your tires..

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Nice repair but you never once mentioned the new drop light!! That was the highlight of the video. What a beauty. Do you have an Amazon link for that light? Does it have an LED light? How long is the cord? Is there a receptacle on it? That was some sweet drop light!!! I see it had the handy man's orange cord on it too, that's high class!!! And the non glare light cage. It has all the bells and whistles. I see it even worked in the rain too. Take care!!

[@EverydayProjects]

You have an appreciatative eye for a good trouble light. This one is a beauty! It has a 10 foot cord measured from the plug to the socket (also it measures 10 feet from the socket to the plug). Either way you measure it you get a nice 10 foot cord, and it's orange! It comes complete with a grounded side outlet and accepts E26 (standard base) A19 (2 3/8" diameter) light bulbs:These, as you know, are the same light bulb used almost everywhere from the attic to the basement crawl space to the barn to the trouble light! Just screw in your favorite bulb (incandecent or L.E.D.) and you are off to work. I was hoping you'd notice the new light and I was glad you did. I was a bit shy about mentioning the new light and didn't want to brag, at least not right away LOL. I use a GFCI receptacle when working outdoors and this day (in the pouring rain) I was glad to have ground fault protection. I will look for the link (not Amazon) and get back to you.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

@@EverydayProjects 10-4

[@missionnad1]

What function does it have that bumper ? Does not add extra weight?

[@EverydayProjects]

It prevents the control arm from banging into the frame when the suspension bottoms out . It will reduce the noise of that collision.

[@missionnad1]

@@EverydayProjects Thanks

[@schoolaccountbopp4077]

Didn't show how to get bushing bolt out of control arm :/ that's the only thing I'm stuck on

[@EverydayProjects]

Try some penetrating oil, maybe even some heat and that long bolt should come out. Try tapping it out using a brass drift and a hammer. They sometimes get stuck. Mine came out easily. Good luck.

[@schoolaccountbopp4077]

@@EverydayProjects for my 2011 Mazda 3 i had to jack my transmission up because it was in the way not giving enough clearance and now it came out easy. Control arm didnt fit on the right side the holes wouldnt line up all the way

[@EverydayProjects]

@@schoolaccountbopp4077 They must have changed the design somewhat. The car in my video was a 2006 Mazda 5. For parts, I always use Rockauto.com They have the best prices. Even with delivery to Canada, their prices beat local stores. Good Luck.

[@DanielAtkinsFirewood]

and just like that your Mazda will go another 10 to 15 years.. unless you are off roading or drifting in the snow... L0L..

[@EverydayProjects]

We have pot holes that would hide an ELK ! I hope that this repair lasts but I don't think it will last until 2030. Maybe parts from Atkins Rotary would be better LOL(perhaps that's where I should buy my next one ha)