How to Replace Front Lower Control Arm 2008-2013 Nissan Rogue

Summary

In this video, viewers are guided through the step-by-step process of replacing the drive-side front lower control arm on a Nissan Rogue. The procedure involves removing the wheel, loosening and removing bolts, compressing the suspension for easier ball joint removal, and carefully reassembling the new control arm. The video provides clear instructions for using specific tools like impact guns, chisels, and pole jacks, with torque specifications to ensure proper installation. The final steps include reattaching the wheel, tightening the lug nuts, and aligning the vehicle for optimal performance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Make sure to remove the center cap from the wheel for easy access to the 521mm nuts.
• 😀 Use an 18mm deep socket to loosen and remove the bolt securing the control arm to the chassis.
• 😀 A chisel can help release the clamping pressure on the ball joint for easier removal.
• 😀 Stabilize the brake rotor by installing a lug nut before working on the control arm.
• 😀 Use a pole jack to compress the suspension, which changes the geometry of the control arm, making the ball joint easier to remove.
• 😀 A pickle fork tool can be helpful in separating the ball joint from the control arm.
• 😀 Disconnect the sway bar end link to gain access to the control arm bolts.
• 😀 After unbolting the control arm, carefully work it out and install the new control arm by aligning the back portion and inserting the bolts.
• 😀 When installing the new control arm, ensure the bolts are tightened correctly: rear bolts to 126 ft-lb and the ball joint nut to 46 ft-lb.
• 😀 Once the control arm is in place, torque down the lug nuts to 80 ft-lb, and ensure the center cap is correctly aligned with the valve stem.
• 😀 After completing the installation, make sure to have a wheel alignment to ensure proper vehicle handling.

Q & A

What is the first step in replacing the drive side front lower control arm on a Nissan Rogue?

The first step is to remove the center cap from the wheel. This gives access to the 521mm nuts, which need to be loosened and removed to allow the wheel to be taken off.

How do you remove the wheel after loosening the 521mm nuts?

Once the 521mm nuts are removed, simply grab the wheel, remove it, and set it aside.

What tools are needed to remove the nut from the control arm bolt?

An 18mm deep socket is used to loosen and remove the nut securing the control arm bolt.

Why is a chisel used during the control arm removal process?

The chisel is used to break the clamping pressure on the ball joint by opening up the pinch bolt design, which helps release the ball joint.

What is the role of the pole jack during the control arm replacement?

The pole jack is used to compress the suspension, changing the geometry of the control arm to make it easier for the ball joint to pop out, facilitating its removal.

What is the purpose of removing the upper sway bar end link?

Removing the upper sway bar end link gives access to the two forward-mounted bolts securing the control arm, making it possible to remove the control arm.

What size sockets are used to remove the forward-mounted control arm bolts?

A 21mm socket is used to loosen and remove the forward-mounted control arm bolts.

How do you ensure the control arm is properly positioned when installing a new one?

To properly position the new control arm, line up the back portion of the control arm, then carefully feed the bolt through and get it started a few threads.

What is the importance of torquing the control arm bolts and nuts to specific values?

Torquing the control arm bolts and nuts to manufacturer-specified values ensures that the parts are securely fastened and the suspension operates as designed, reducing the risk of failure.

What should be done after installing the wheel and tightening the lug nuts?

After installing the wheel and tightening the lug nuts by hand, you should torque them to 80 ft-lbs to ensure they are properly secured. Then, reinstall the center cap, making sure it aligns with the valve stem.