Lower Control Arm

[EMM]

Hi All,

I need to replace the N/S control arm. However how easy is it to replace this? and is there any guides on the internet on how to do this?

Or special tools i need?

Cheers
Andy

[Luxobarge]

Yeah, pretty easy. I did it, see here:

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showth...=114983&page=8

The job starts about half way down post#77 - post back if you need to know more.

[EMM]

Cheers,

So from the link there are only three bolts that i need to undo in order to get this out? Two on the chassis and one pinch bolt?

I am assuming that i need to put lots of copper grease on?

And how do i get the ball joint back in the container (the bit you take the pinch bolt out of)?

Sorry for all the questions

Cheers
Andy

[Merc85]

As above can be a nightmare getting out! It's easy to get it back in just make sure you can see the cut out in the joint before you put the pinch bolt back through.

[Luxobarge]

Originally Posted by EMM

So from the link there are only three bolts that i need to undo in order to get this out? Two on the chassis and one pinch bolt?

Basically, yes.

Originally Posted by EMM

I am assuming that i need to put lots of copper grease on?

Yes, I'd say it's good practice to re-assemble with a little copper grease on the metal-to-metal contact surfaces.

Originally Posted by EMM

And how do i get the ball joint back in the container (the bit you take the pinch bolt out of)?

Just push it back in. It's not tapered, if the socket is cleaned of any rust and there's a wipe of coppaslip on them it should just slide in. As above, the "peg" that is the stub of the ball joint is not tapered but does have a cut-out groove running all the way around it for the pinch bolt to locate in. The pinch bolt will go in a lot easier if you line this groove up properly first. On the second one I did I found it easier to do the ball joint end before I did the chassis/bushes end - at least fit it loosely, then tighten everything up when it's assembled. The only thing I didn't do that I should have done was to jack the suspension up so that it's bearing weight before I tightened the bush bolts up, this reduces the amount the bushes "twist" in operation and will make them last longer.

I found the ball joint end fairly easy to remove TBH - again, easier if you remove the chassis/bush end first.

I assume yours is the same style wishbone as mine - some have a different design, but you didn't state what model of car you have.

Cheers

[EMM]

Sorry its a 2.5 n/a 1996 petrol not ex police.

Cheers everyone will keep you posted.