How to replace the Lower Control Arms 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500

Watch this video to learn how to replace the lower control arms on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500.

Replacing Lower Control Arms on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500: What You Need

Ready to perform this DIY replacement job? Remember that all the parts in this guide can be found on CarParts.com. Check out all the products that fit your vehicle right here.

Parts Checklist

• Lower control arms: Driver side and Passenger side
• Penetrating oil
• Grease
• Silicone grease

Tightening Torques

• Link-to-control arm nuts: 75 Ft-lbs
• Link-to-stabilizer bar nuts: 20 Ft-lbs
• Tie rod end holding nut: 78 Ft-lbs
• Upper control arm ball joint: 40 Ft-lbs + additional 200 degrees
• Lower control arm ball joint nut: 37 Ft-lbs + additional 90 degrees
• Strut lower nut: 155 Ft-lbs
• Arm-to-frame pivot (alignment camber) bolts: 155 Ft-lbs
• Brake caliper mount bolts: 130 Ft-lbs
• Wheel hub nut: 185 Ft-lbs

Tools Checklist

Here’s the toolbox we recommend to repair your Dodge RAM 1500: HM85 85 Piece Ratchet and Socket Set

List of tools:

• Measuring tape
• Breaker bar
• 35mm socket
• Hydraulic jack
• Jack stands
• Wheel lug wrench
• Clamp or iron thread
• Ratchet
• 21mm socket
• Fork
• Hammer
• Wire brush
• 24mm socket
• Marker
• 24mm wrench
• Plastic mallet
• Torque wrench: 20 to 250 Ft-lbs and 100 to 600 Ft-lbs
• 12mm socket
• Flat head screwdriver
• Crowbar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle

• Turn off the engine and set the parking brake.
• Measure the distance between the wheel center and the wheel arch for reference.

Step 2: Remove Central Rim Cover and Transmission Nut

• Remove the central rim cover to access the transmission nut.
• Use a breaker bar and a 35mm socket to loosen the transmission nut.

Step 3: Loosen Front Wheel Stud Bolts

• Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.

Step 4: Lift and Secure the Vehicle

• Lift the front of your vehicle.
• Place the vehicle on jack stands.

Step 5: Remove Wheels for Full Access

• Remove the wheels for complete access to the suspension.
• Place the removed wheels under the vehicle for safety.

Step 6: Remove Caliper Assembly and Disc

• Remove the caliper assembly using a socket wrench and a 21mm socket.
• Fasten the caliper assembly using a wire.
• Unscrew the retainer from the disc and remove the disc.

Step 7: Disconnect ABS Sensor and Upper Control Arm

• Unclip the ABS sensor cable and retaining clip.
• Disconnect the ABS sensor connector.
• Release the upper control arm ball joint from the wheel knuckle.

Step 8: Unlock Lower Control Arm Ball Joint

• Brush and spray penetrating oil on the lower control arm ball joint.
• Use a ratchet and a 24mm socket to unscrew the nut.
• Remove the lower control arm ball joint nut a few threads.

Step 9: Remove Outer Tie Rod and Finish Unscrewing

• Remove the outer tie rod.
• Finish unscrewing the upper control arm ball joint.
• Remove the ball joint from the wheel knuckle.

Step 10: Remove Lower Control Arm

• Apply penetrating oil to the lower control arm ball joint.
• Hit the wheel knuckle with a hammer to disengage the ball joint.
• Finish unscrewing the lower control arm ball joint nut.
• Remove the wheel knuckle by disengaging the CV axle and control arm ball joint.

Step 11: Disconnect Sway Bar End Link

• Disconnect the sway bar end link from the lower control arm.

Step 12: Mark Alignment Camber Bolts and Unscrew

• Mark a line between the alignment camber bolts and the frame.
• Unscrew the nuts from the camber bolts using a ratchet and a 24mm socket.

Step 13: Remove Alignment Camber Bolts and Control Arm

• Remove the alignment camber bolts.
• Extract the lower control arm by jiggling it back and forth.

Step 14: Prepare and Install New Control Arm

• Brush and grease the control arm area.
• Unscrew the ball joint retaining nut.
• Install the new control arm and reinsert the camber bolts.

Step 15: Secure Control Arm and Reassemble

• Tighten the nuts on the camber bolts.
• Lift the wheel knuckle with a jack.
• Reattach the sway bar end link.
• Reinstall the brake disc, retainer, and caliper assembly.
• Tighten all nuts and bolts to their specified torque.

Step 16: Align Camber Bolts and Lower Vehicle

• Turn the camber bolts to align with the marked line.
• Lower the vehicle and tighten the strut foot with a wrench.

Step 17: Final Adjustments and Wheel Installation

• Adjust the alignment camber bolts.
• Tighten the lower control arm and strut foot retaining bolts.
• Put the wheels back on the vehicle.

Step 18: Complete the Operation

• Lower the car, properly fix the wheels, and perform a wheel alignment.
• Reconnect the ABS sensor, clip it back in place, and reconnect the connector.
• Your lower control arm replacement is now complete.

Compatible Vehicles

The operation and tools displayed in the video should be available on the following vehicles:

• 2009 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2010 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2011 Ram 1500
• 2012 Ram 1500
• 2013 Ram 1500
• 2014 Ram 1500
• 2015 Ram 1500
• 2016 Ram 1500
• 2017 Ram 1500
• 2018 Ram 1500

Important Reminders

Before lifting your vehicle, it is necessary to measure the distance between the centre of your wheel and the wheel arch. This will allow you to achieve an optimal tightening of the parts in their initial position.

In order not to damage the silent blocks, it is necessary to tighten the front retaining bolts in the “vehicle on the ground” position.

During this operation, you will be intervening on the front axle of your car, so it is advisable to perform a wheel alignment afterwards.

Disclaimer:

This video is for entertainment purposes only. CarParts.com, Inc. disclaims all damages including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, and/or punitive, for any liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or arising from any information or lack thereof posted in this video. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All mechanical car projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. If you are in doubt, please consult a licensed mechanic in your area.