Lower control arm of the front suspension (Mitsubishi Space Star)

Removal

Warning: Parts marked with * in Figure 14.32 must be pre-tightened and final tightened after the vehicle has been lowered onto its wheels in an unladen condition.

Fig. 14.32. Lower arm of the front suspension: 1 - lower arm ball joint; 2 - self-locking nut; 3 - rubber bushings for mounting the anti-roll bar; 4 - anti-roll bar; 5 - sleeve; 6 - front lower arm bushing; 7 - support bracket; 8 - lower arm assembly

• Loosen the nut, remove the bolt and the ball joint pin of the lower arm from the steering knuckle (Fig. 14.32).
• Loosen the self-locking nut and remove the rubber bushings and the sleeve securing the anti-roll bar to the lower arm of the front suspension.
• Loosen the nut and remove the bolt securing the front lower arm bushing.
• Remove 2 bolts and the lower arm rear bushing support bracket.
• Remove the lower control arm assembly.

Examination

• Check the rubber bushings for wear or damage.
• Check the lower control arm for bending or cracks.
• Check the support bracket for wear or damage.
• Check the ball joint protective boot for cracks.
• Check all bolts for bending or damage.

Checking the initial torque required to turn the lower arm ball joint pin

• Rock the lower arm ball joint pin from side to side several times.
• Install the special tool on the ball joint pin and use a torque wrench to measure the initial torque required to turn the lower arm ball joint pin (Fig. 14.33).

Fig. 14.33. Measuring the initial torque required to rotate the lower arm ball joint pin

• If the torque exceeds the permissible values, replace the ball joint.
• If the torque is significantly below the permissible value, the ball joint can be used repeatedly as long as it does not jam or have excessive play.

Checking the dust cover of the lower arm ball joint

• Use your fingers to squeeze the dust cover and check for cracks or damage.
• If the dust boot is cracked or damaged, replace the lower control arm ball joint.

Note: If the dust cover is cracked or damaged, the ball joint may also be damaged.

Replacing the rear lower arm bushing

• Wet the connection between the lower arm shaft and the old bushing with soapy water and, using a screwdriver as a lever, remove the bushing.
• Lubricate the hole in the new bushing with soapy water and install the new bushing in the position shown in Figure 14.34.

Fig. 14.34. Installation position of the rear bushing of the lower arm of the front suspension

• Using a hammer and a wooden block, press the bushing onto the lower arm shaft.

Replacing the lower arm ball joint dust cover

• Only if the dust cover is damaged accidentally during vehicle maintenance, replace it as follows.
• Using a screwdriver blade, remove the spring ring and dust cover from the lower arm ball joint (Fig. 14.35).

Fig. 14.35. Using a screwdriver to remove the ball joint protective boot retaining spring ring

• Apply general purpose grease to the inside surfaces of the new dust cover.
• Wrap the ball joint pin with plastic tape and place a dust cover on the joint.
• Stop the spring ring securing the dust cover.
• Use your fingers to squeeze the dust cover and check for cracks or damage.

Installation

• Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal, taking into account the following.
• Install the anti-roll bar and tighten the self-locking nut so that the anti-roll bar mounting bolt protrudes above the nut as shown in Figure 14.36.

Fig. 14.36. Distance (A) of the stabilizer mounting bolt protrusion: A = 22 mm

• Use your fingers to squeeze the dust cover and check for cracks or damage.
• Adjust the front wheel alignment angles.