This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front lateral arm (lower control arm) on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lower control arm (lateral arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for ball joint × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at frame rails behind lower control arms
5. Remove wheel and tire assembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect and mark alignment
   Inspect the lateral arm for damage and wear. Mark the position of any adjustable components if applicable. Take photos of the assembly for reference during reinstallation.
2. 2

   Remove ball joint cotter pin
   Locate the ball joint nut at the outer end of the lower control arm where it connects to the steering knuckle. Straighten and remove the cotter pin using a punch and hammer. Discard the old cotter pin.
3. 3

   Loosen ball joint nut
   Using an 18mm socket, loosen the ball joint nut but do not remove it completely. Leave it threaded on 2-3 turns to protect the threads and prevent the joint from separating violently.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Position a ball joint separator tool between the lower control arm and steering knuckle. Apply steady pressure to separate the ball joint taper. Once separated, remove the ball joint nut completely and lower the control arm away from the knuckle.
   ⚠Ball joint separator can slip suddenly. Ensure tool is properly seated before applying force.
5. 5

   Support lower control arm
   Place a floor jack under the outer end of the lower control arm to support its weight and prevent it from dropping suddenly when bolts are removed. Raise jack just enough to take tension off the mounting bolts.
6. 6

   Remove front control arm bolt
   Locate the front mounting bolt securing the control arm to the front crossmember. Using a 19mm socket and wrench, remove the bolt completely. The bolt passes through a bushing in the control arm.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove rear control arm bolt
   Locate the rear mounting bolt securing the control arm to the rear crossmember or mounting bracket. Using a 19mm socket and wrench, remove the bolt completely. Support the control arm as you remove this bolt.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove lateral arm assembly
   Carefully lower the floor jack and guide the lower control arm down and out of the mounting points. Maneuver the arm out from under the vehicle. Inspect the mounting bushings and ball joint on the removed arm.
9. 9

   Clean mounting points
   Use a wire brush to clean the bolt holes in the crossmember and any corrosion or debris from the mounting surfaces. Inspect the mounting points for damage or excessive wear.
10. 10

    Install new lateral arm
    Position the new lower control arm into place, aligning the bushings with the mounting points on the crossmembers. Use the floor jack to support the arm during installation. Insert the front and rear mounting bolts finger-tight only at this stage.
11. 11

    Connect ball joint to knuckle
    Raise the outer end of the control arm using the floor jack until the ball joint stud aligns with the hole in the steering knuckle. Insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle and thread on the ball joint nut. Tighten to specification and install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and stud.
    ℹ️If cotter pin holes do not align, tighten nut slightly more until next slot aligns. Never loosen to align.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and tire assembly and hand-tighten lug nuts. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground so that full vehicle weight is on the suspension. This is critical for proper bushing alignment before final torque.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque control arm bolts
    With vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This ensures the control arm bushings are in their proper operating position and prevents premature bushing failure.
    ⚠Control arm bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension. Failure to do so will cause bushing failure.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the wheel against the hub.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are tightened to specification
2. Verify new cotter pin is properly installed and bent to prevent backing out
3. Double-check that control arm bolts were torqued with vehicle weight on suspension

Verification

• Test drive vehicle and verify no unusual noises from front suspension
• Check for proper steering response and vehicle tracking
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as suspension geometry has been altered
• After 50-100 miles, re-check torque on control arm bolts and ball joint nut

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