Watch this video to learn how to replace upper control arm on a 2009-2014 Ford F-150.
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.
Here’s the toolbox we recommend to repair your Ford F-150: HM85 85 Piece Ratchet and Socket Set
List of tools:
Step 1: Turn off the engine, set the parking brake, pull the bonnet release handle, and open the bonnet.
Step 2: Before lifting the vehicle, measure the distance between the center of the wheel and the wheel arch. This measurement ensures optimal tightening of silent block equipped elements.
Step 3: Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.
Step 4: Lift the front of your vehicle and securely place it on axle stands. Watch our “How to jack your Ford F-150 safely” video for guidance before proceeding.
Step 5: To gain access to the suspension system for upper control arm replacement, remove the front wheels. Remember to place the wheels under the vehicle for safety.
Step 6: Locate your car’s upper control arm, the strut, the sway bar end link, and the outer tie rod. For guidance, watch our video “How to replace the outer tie rod Ford F-150?“
Step 7: Disconnect the sway bar end link from the sway bar. Refer to ourvideo “How to replace the sway bar end links Ford F-150?“
Step 8: Remove the strut to access the two bolts in upper control arm silent blocks.
Step 9: Remove the three nuts holding the strut mount bearing and the strut foot bolt by following the instructions in our video “How to replace the struts Ford F-150?“
Step 10: Disassociate the upper control arm ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
Step 11: Brush the upper control arm ball joint nut and apply penetrating oil.
Step 12: Temporarily reinsert the outer tie rod into its knuckle to prevent rotation, then release the ball joint with a breaker bar and 21mm socket.
Step 13: Remove the outer tie rod, then unscrew the nut with a ratchet.
Step 14: Disengage the ball joint from the knuckle by hitting it with a hammer while supporting the lower control arm with a jack.
Step 15: Lower the wheel knuckle with the jack to disconnect the ball joint and create space to remove the strut.
Step 16: Use a crowbar to release the strut foot from the control arm and remove the strut.
Step 17: Disconnect the vacuum lines from the hub lock actuator using a fork.
Step 18: Brush the two nuts of the upper control arm silent block retaining bolts and apply penetrating oil.
Step 19: Use a 21mm spanner to lock the nut on the front silent block retaining bolt, then use a breaker bar and 21mm socket to unlock the bolt. Finish unscrewing it using a socket wrench and remove the screw. Repeat the operation on the rear silent block screw.
Step 20: Remove the upper control arm by pulling it towards you and moving it back and forth.
Step 21: Prepare the control arm area for installation by cleaning and applying grease.
Step 22: Unscrew the ball joint retaining screw and install the control arm.
Step 23: Reinsert the retaining bolts of the silent blocks and loosely screw the nuts back on.
Step 24: Reconnect the vacuum lines and ensure smooth movement of control arm and silent blocks before final tightening.
Step 25: For accessibility reasons, tighten the front retaining bolts of the silent blocks without the strut.
Tip: To avoid everything rotating when screwing, reinsert the outer tie rod into its knuckle without screwing it back in.
Step 26: Start by temporarily replacing control arm ball joint in its knuckle, using the jack, and then screw it back in.
Step 27: Tighten the front retaining bolts in the “vehicle on the ground” position in order not to damage the silent blocks.
Step 28: Lift the wheel knuckle with a jack to the original measurement, then complete the tightening of the silent block holding screws.
Step 29: Use a torque wrench for final tightening of the silent blocks.
Step 30: To reposition the strut, release the ball joint from its knuckle and lower the jack slightly.
Step 31: Hit the knuckle with a hammer to release the ball joint, then unscrew the nut and remove the joint. Remove the outer tie rod.
Step 32: Reinstall the strut. We recommend watching our video “How to replace the struts Ford F-150?”.
Step 33: Put the outer tie rod back in place and tighten it using a torque wrench.
Step 34: Clean and apply silicone grease to the knuckle and reinsert and secure the ball joint. NOTE: Do not grease the inside of the cone.
Step 35: Complete the tightening of the upper control arm rod using a torque wrench.
Step 36: Put the sway bar end link back in place and secure it with a torque wrench.
Step 37: Insert the third nut to secure the strut mount bearing.
Step 38: Screw the three nuts back on the strut mount bearing with a ratchet until they make contact.
Step 39: For final tightening of the strut foot and strut bearing nuts, repeat the measuring technique used for the tightening of the control arm silent blocks.
Step 40: Put the wheels back on your vehicle.
Step 41: After this operation, perform a wheel alignment due to the front axle work.
Step 42: Lower the vehicle to the ground and securely fix the wheels in place.
The operation and tools displayed in the video should be available on the following vehicles :
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 silent block equipped elements 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.
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