How To Replace Front Lower Control Arm 01-06 Hyundai Elantra

Difficulty: Advanced · About 120 min · Hyundai Elantra

Replace the front lower control arm on a 2001–06 Hyundai Elantra, reconnecting the sway link and arranging a wheel alignment after suspension work.

Steps

1. Lift and remove the wheel

   Loosen the lug nuts on the ground, raise the front, and support it securely on jack stands. Remove the wheel and keep the vehicle stable before working on the suspension.

2. Disconnect the sway bar link

   Counterhold the sway link stud while removing its nuts. Move the link clear of the control arm and retain its washers and bushings in order.

3. Separate the ball joint

   Remove the ball joint fastener and release the stud from the steering knuckle with a suitable separator. Support the knuckle so the brake hose and ABS wire are not stretched.

4. Remove the control arm

   Remove the front and rear control arm mounting bolts. Work the arm out of its bushings and frame mounts without damaging adjacent lines or the steering knuckle.

5. Install the replacement arm

   Position the new arm with its rear bushing correctly aligned and start the mounting bolts by hand. Seat the ball joint in the knuckle and install its fastener.

6. Reconnect the sway bar link

   Reinstall the sway bar link through the control arm and refit its hardware. Tighten suspension fasteners to the vehicle's specification, with bonded bushings tightened at normal ride height when required.

7. Reinstall the wheel and align

   Mount the wheel, lower the vehicle, and torque the lug nuts to specification. Arrange a professional wheel alignment and recheck fasteners and steering response before regular driving.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.