This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear lower control arm on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8, including ball joint separation and proper torque sequencing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear lower control arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for ball joint nut × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at differential or frame rail
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified jacking points on frame
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Spray control arm bolts and ball joint nut with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle assembly
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle housing near the control arm mounting point. Raise jack just enough to slightly compress the suspension and relieve tension on the control arm. This prevents the axle from dropping when the control arm is removed.
2. 2

   Remove the ball joint cotter pin
   Locate the ball joint nut at the outer end of the lower control arm where it connects to the axle housing or knuckle. Straighten and remove the cotter pin using pliers or a cotter pin removal tool. Discard the old cotter pin as a new one must be installed.
3. 3

   Remove the ball joint nut
   Using an appropriate socket, remove the ball joint nut completely from the ball joint stud. Keep the nut if the control arm will be reused. Note the orientation of the ball joint connection for reassembly.
   Torque spec

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

   Separate the ball joint
   Insert a ball joint separator or pickle fork between the ball joint and its mounting point on the axle housing. Strike the tool with a hammer or tighten the screw-type separator to force the ball joint stud out of the taper. Work carefully to avoid damaging the axle housing threads or mounting surface. The ball joint should pop free with moderate force.
   ⚠Support the control arm as the ball joint separates to prevent it from falling or striking you.
5. 5

   Remove the front control arm bolt
   Locate the front mounting bolt that secures the control arm to the frame bracket. This is typically the forward-most connection point. Use a breaker bar to loosen the bolt, then remove it completely along with any washers or spacers. Note the orientation and position of all hardware for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the rear control arm bolt
   Locate and remove the rear mounting bolt that secures the control arm to the frame or chassis bracket. You may need to lower the axle slightly with the floor jack to gain better access. Remove the bolt completely and note any washers, spacers, or eccentric cams used for alignment.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove the control arm
   With both mounting bolts and the ball joint disconnected, carefully maneuver the lower control arm out of the vehicle. It may be necessary to pivot or rotate the arm to clear surrounding components. Inspect the mounting points on the frame for corrosion or damage.
8. 8

   Prepare mounting points and install new control arm
   Clean the mounting bolt holes in the frame brackets with a wire brush. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris that could prevent proper seating. Position the new control arm into place, aligning the bushings with the frame mounting points. Insert both mounting bolts finger-tight but do not torque yet. Ensure any alignment cams or eccentric washers are in their original positions.
9. 9

   Connect the ball joint
   Raise the floor jack under the axle housing to align the ball joint stud with its mounting hole in the axle or knuckle. Guide the ball joint stud into the taper. Install the ball joint nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud, then bend the ends to secure it.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install the wheel and lower vehicle to load suspension
    Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle until the full weight is on the wheels. The suspension must be at normal ride height before torquing control arm bolts. Do not allow the vehicle to roll; keep it in park with parking brake engaged.
11. 11

    Torque control arm mounting bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle weight fully on the suspension, torque both the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This critical step must be performed at ride height to prevent bushing bind and premature wear. Access the bolts from under the vehicle if necessary.
    ⚠Control arm bolts MUST be torqued with vehicle at ride height. Torquing while suspension is hanging will cause bushing failure.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten all 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. Verify all fasteners have been installed and properly torqued
2. Confirm the new cotter pin is installed and properly bent on the ball joint
3. Double-check that control arm bolts were torqued at ride height, not with suspension hanging
4. Remove floor jack from under axle housing

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Check for proper rear wheel alignment; vehicle should track straight with no pulling
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment if the vehicle had alignment issues before the repair or if eccentric adjustment bolts were disturbed
• After 50-100 miles, re-check torque on all fasteners to ensure nothing has loosened
• Visually inspect the repair area for any signs of looseness or component movement

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