How to replace the lower control arm replacement, front wheel drive car. Volvo 850, S70, V70, etc.

Lower control arms replacement: 1 to 2 hours ($125 / $400 / $800)

Torque settings:
- Ball joint, 37 Ft Lbs.
- Frame Bolts, 51 Ft Lbs plus 120 degrees.

This video will show you how to replace the lower control arm. It is a very simple process but has it's technique. If you don't install them properly, they can wear prematurely. You should torque them properly and load them prior to torquing (if they do not have a frame pivot as found on some of the newer cars).

Some vehicles have upper and lower control arms while other cars, like the one in the video only has one control arm, the top is supported by a strut mount.

This replacement was done on a Volvo S70 which would be the same process for the 850, XC70 and other front wheel drive cars.
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[mds]

I’m actually very impressed that you were able to get a control arm out of a salvage vehicle without breaking the balljoint boot. That’s almost a guarantee anytime I take one of those things out.

[BackyardSpaceProgram]

Once again I'm back here watching your How to videos.
My V70 did not pass inspection, bad ball joint on one side, bad tie rod on the other.
Today I found and bought two Meyle control arms on marketplace (in the same town as me, even got them delivered), both new in box with bolts and nuts, both reinforced (powder coated steel), apparently the same kind Swedish police used back in the day, paid only $70 for both, found the same ones on Ebay for $105 each plus shipping.

Great as always Robert, stay safe kind Sir!

[beoutside]

Thanks Robert, On my 99 they are the 4 bolt style and you have to slightly lift the motor to get at and replace all 4 bolts to subframe. Thanks for the tip on loading before final torque of ball joint to hub assembly and control arm to subframe. I replaced with ones made in germany from FCP groton 83 each. Lifetime warranty replacement ( you pay for return shipping though)for cheaper Karlyn brand I put in 40000 miles ago.... now running great again at 260000 :)

[kylemarisafoster]

I had an accident that caused me to replace the control arm, steering knuckle, cv axle, and strut assembly.  All your videos are very informative and much appreciated. Thanks Robert!!! Keep on keeping on brother!!!!

[anttisuvanto]

Thanks for the tips, took me about half an hour to replace arm! Much obliged!

[DuffTerrall]

Hi there sir. Glad you're here as I have definitely been living on your channel while learning to fix my 1998 V70.

Fun problem I ran into was that I was having a bear of a time getting the new ball joint into the steering knuckle. I had everything moving and cleaned out, but the darn peg would not go into the hole. After some searching, I took the advice to remove the sway bar link, and with a jack under the control arm was able to get the assembly to go together. I guess something about how it's twisted with the car up on one side like this can cause issue?

Anyway, if it's hard to install the new ball joint, you can try that. Don't try what I did, and end up damaging the rubber boot, and now I get to do the job again later with even MORE new parts... sigh...

[RobertHarrson]

This was very helpful. My T5 needed new arms and this video answered all the questions I had. Thanks

[nicklemarr]

Great video as always. I got a set of two heavy duty ones much larger and stronger than stock left and right, for $46 shipped to my door on eBay, but let me tell you, the rear lower control arms. I understand what the engineers were doing, but man, the worst experience I've ever had lmao.

[melissakruse]

Thanks for posting.  I always check your vids before I work on my car.  Gives me an idea of what I"m getting into!

[masithembelemicheal]

Hi Robert is it possible to press fit a new ball joint from the old arm or have to replace the whole arm . from Mike in SA THANKS

[MrOrange]

Thanks as alwaus Robert, for a very handy video. Youve helped me tons with your videos. Like you where in this video im not always in a postion to just pay for a garage to do the work on my car.

Which means i have to get my hands dirty 😂

Really appreciate all the information youve put out over the years. Your a life saver.

Alot of these jobs ive never touched before.

God bless you Sir.

[CaptainCheezmo]

Thank Robert! Just got my control arms in and will be starting the replacement right after I find where I put my ratchet set! Haha.
The Thermostat is next. I'm pretty sure it's stuck open, because when I'm driving in cool air, my temp needle sits near the cold line, but when I'm in stop and go city driving, it comes up. Also barely any heat out of the console. Lemme know if you have the same conclusion!

[aphex]

Easy change and very great detailed instructions. Thank you Robert!

[sfitz-rpdu]

Thanks much Robert! My '98 S70 nut & bolts we're 19mm on bolt, 18mm on nut. Also 120 degree additional tighten turn is from 12:00 to 4:00 if you think in terms of a clock.

[dsrosser]

What are people’s experiences with the Meyle control arms. Looks like that and GV are the only reasonable options on the market (I have the four bolt option so no Meyle HD for me). Is GV really worth more than double the cost?

[mds]

Hey Robert, do you recommend that people use genuine Volvo parts for this job or is there a good reputable aftermarket alternative that you would also recommend? Also is there a poly bushing kit that you can install in place of the stock ones?

[TheFalconMoon]

Thank you for your help in these videos. I would not have known to load the control arms before tightening the nuts. Extremely helpful into! I check with you before I do any new-to-me work on my Volvo. I appreciate your dedication to good videos.

As a quick FYI, I purchased my control arms with ball joints new for $26 each from RockAuto.com. I've had very good experiences with that site and every product I've received has been great.

[dougvanscoy]

Hi Robert, Very much appreciate your videos. I have a 98 S70 4-dr. I have a big job started, but I broke the bolt that holds the lower control arm ball joint. Do you think I have to replace the entire knuckle? I'm replacing control arms, tie-rod ends, struts and cv-joint boots.

[timothyduggan]

Any advice on removing particularly stubborn ball joints? Mine is pretty corroded. The ball joint bolt was tough, I eventually got it out by applying lots of WD40 then turning the head with a socket on a long breaker bar whilst simultaneously hitting the nut end with a big hammer. However the ball joint itself is stuck fast. I've tried a crowbar, WD40, big hammer but it won't budge. I don't have a splitter tool unfortunately.

[OutdoorBoys]

Hey robert, on my 2000 c70, since ive had the car when i make hard turns it creaks from the front end of the vehicle sounds . didmt have symptoms from this video tho, im just not familiar with what part on these cars will make a loud creaking metal noise from the front, thanks.