Lateral Arm

This procedure covers removal and installation of the rear lateral arm (lower control arm) on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including disconnection from the hub carrier and subframe mounting points.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lateral arm (lower control arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lateral arm to knuckle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification - replace if damaged
• Lateral arm subframe mounting bolts × 2 — Use OEM specification - replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
4. Remove rear wheel on the side being serviced
5. Spray all lateral arm fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the hub assembly
   Position a floor jack under the rear hub assembly or brake caliper mounting bracket to support the suspension at ride height. This prevents the suspension from dropping and relieves tension on the lateral arm fasteners. Raise jack just enough to support the weight without lifting the vehicle off the jack stands.
2. 2

   Remove lateral arm to knuckle fastener
   Locate the lateral arm-to-knuckle bolt connection at the rear knuckle/hub carrier. Remove the nut and through-bolt securing the lateral arm to the knuckle. Verify the exact fastener size and type against OEM documentation. If the bolt is seized in the bushing sleeve, apply penetrating oil and use a soft-face drift to drive it free without damaging the bushing.ak the taper free. Note: Through-bolt and nut connection (not a ball joint/castle nut); exact torque per OEM documentation
3. 3

   Separate lateral arm from knuckle
   Withdraw the lateral arm mounting bolt from the knuckle. You may need to lower the floor jack slightly or use a pry bar to create separation. Be careful not to damage the bushing if reusing the lateral arm. Once separated, support the knuckle to prevent it from hanging on the brake line or other components.
4. 4

   Remove forward subframe mounting bolt
   Locate the forward mounting bolt securing the lateral arm to the subframe or chassis. This bolt typically passes through the forward bushing of the lateral arm. Use a socket and wrench to hold the nut while removing the bolt, or vice versa depending on access. Verify the exact bolt head size against OEM documentation before selecting a socket. Remove the bolt completely and retain any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove rear subframe mounting bolt
   Locate the rear mounting bolt securing the lateral arm to the subframe or chassis. This bolt passes through the rear bushing of the lateral arm. Use a socket and wrench to hold the nut while removing the bolt. Verify the exact bolt head size against OEM documentation before selecting a socket. Remove the bolt completely and retain any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove lateral arm from vehicle
   With both mounting bolts removed and the knuckle connection separated, maneuver the lateral arm out of the suspension assembly. You may need to rotate or angle the arm to clear other suspension components, the brake rotor, or the exhaust. Inspect the removed arm for bushing deterioration, ball joint wear, and any bending or damage.
7. 7

   Prepare new lateral arm
   Compare the new lateral arm to the old unit to verify correct part. Inspect the bushings for proper installation and the ball joint for smooth movement without excessive play. If the ball joint has a protective cap or shipping cover, remove it before installation.
8. 8

   Install lateral arm to subframe
   Position the new lateral arm into the suspension mounting points. Insert the forward mounting bolt through the bushing and subframe bracket, followed by the rear mounting bolt. Thread the nuts onto the bolts by hand but do not fully tighten yet. Ensure any washers or spacers are in their original positions. The suspension should be at or near ride height before final torquing.
9. 9

   Connect lateral arm to knuckle
   Raise the floor jack under the hub assembly to align the lateral arm with the knuckle. Insert the through-bolt into the knuckle. Install the nut and torque to the OEM specification (verify value in service manual). Verify the connection is secure and properly seated.
10. 10

    Torque subframe mounting bolts
    With the suspension at ride height (supported by the floor jack), torque the forward and rear lateral arm mounting bolts to specification. Torque to the OEM specification listed in the factory service manual; do not rely on a generic range for this platform. Torque both bolts in a single pass to ensure proper bushing preload. Do not torque these fasteners with the suspension hanging or at full droop, as this will preload the bushings incorrectly and cause premature wear.
11. 11

    Remove jack and reinstall wheel
    Lower and remove the floor jack from under the hub assembly. Verify all fasteners are tight and no tools or parts are left in the suspension area. Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to the OEM specification (verify exact value in the factory service manual).

Reassembly

1. All fasteners must be torqued to specification with the suspension at ride height to prevent bushing bind
2. Always use new cotter pins on castle nuts; do not reuse old pins
3. Inspect all brake lines and ABS sensor wires to ensure they were not damaged during the procedure

Verification

• Verify the lateral arm is securely fastened at both the knuckle and subframe mounting points
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Recommend a four-wheel alignment after lateral arm replacement to ensure proper rear suspension geometry

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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