How to Replace Front Lower Control Arm 05-12 Ford Escape
Difficulty: Intermediate · About 90 min · Ford Escape
Renew the front lower control arm on a 2005–2012 Ford Escape, separating the ball joint and chassis pivots before aligning and tightening the replacement.
Tools you will need
- 21mm Socket
- 13mm Socket
- Hammer
- 15mm Socket
- Pry Bar
- Jack Stands
- Center Punch
- Floor Jack
- 13mm Wrench
Parts and supplies
- Front lower control arm
- Wheel lug nuts
Steps
Remove the wheel and support the vehicle
Raise the vehicle safely and support it on jack stands. Remove the wheel to expose the lower control arm and ball joint connections.
Separate the arm from the knuckle
Remove the ball joint retaining nut and bolt with the 13 mm and 15 mm tools. Tap the bolt through with a punch if needed, then separate the ball joint taper from the knuckle.
Remove the control arm
Remove the front and rear control arm pivot bolts. Work the arm out of the subframe and note its orientation for fitting the replacement.
Install the new arm
Set the replacement arm into the subframe and loosely fit both pivot bolts. Align the ball joint with the knuckle, install its retaining bolt and nut, and tighten all fasteners to the vehicle's specifications with the bushing loaded appropriately.
Reinstall the wheel
Refit the wheel and start each lug nut by hand. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts in a crossing pattern to the vehicle's specification.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.