This procedure replaces the front lower control arm bushings on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, requiring removal of the control arm for bushing replacement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front lower control arm bushing kit (driver or passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint cotter pin (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer's recommended lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at frame rails
6. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
7. Spray penetrating oil on ball joint nut, control arm bolts, and sway bar link nuts if corrosion is present
8. Allow penetrating oil to soak for 15-20 minutes if used

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from lower control arm
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the lower control arm. Use an Allen key to hold the ball stud shaft from rotating while removing the nut with a wrench. Disconnect the sway bar link from the control arm.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove ball joint cotter pin
   If equipped with a cotter pin, straighten the ends and pull the cotter pin from the ball joint castle nut using pliers. If the nut is not castellated, skip this sub-step. Do not remove the ball joint nut yet.
3. 3

   Loosen ball joint nut
   Using an 18mm socket, loosen the ball joint nut but do not remove it completely. Leave the nut threaded on 2-3 turns to protect the ball joint stud threads during separation.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut101 Nm (75 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Position a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork between the lower control arm and the steering knuckle at the ball joint taper. Strike the tool with a hammer or use the screw-type separator to break the taper fit. Once separated, remove the ball joint nut completely and lower the control arm away from the knuckle.
   ⚠The ball joint may release suddenly under spring tension. Keep hands clear of pinch points.
5. 5

   Support lower control arm
   Place a floor jack under the outer end of the lower control arm to support it and relieve tension on the control arm mounting bolts. Raise jack just enough to support the weight without compressing the suspension.
6. 6

   Remove control arm mounting bolts
   Locate the front and rear control arm mounting bolts that attach the control arm to the frame. Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, remove both control arm mounting bolts. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation. Lower the jack and remove the control arm from the vehicle.
   Torque spec

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

   Inspect control arm and clean mounting surfaces
   Inspect the control arm for cracks, bends, or damage. Check the ball joint for excessive wear or play. Clean the bushing mounting bores in the control arm with a wire brush, removing any rust or debris. Clean the frame mounting points where the control arm attaches.
8. 8

   Remove old bushings
   Using a control arm bushing press tool set, select the appropriate receiver cup and press mandrel for the bushing size. Position the control arm in the press with the receiver cup supporting the arm and the mandrel aligned with the bushing. Press the old bushing out of the control arm bore. Repeat for the second bushing if both are being replaced.
   ℹ️Some bushings may be bonded and require cutting before pressing. Follow bushing kit instructions.
9. 9

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coat of dish soap or bushing installation lubricant to the outer sleeve of the new bushing and the control arm bore. Position the new bushing aligned with the bore, ensuring proper orientation per manufacturer markings. Use the bushing press tool to press the new bushing into the control arm bore until fully seated and flush with the control arm. Repeat for the second bushing position.
10. 10

    Reinstall control arm to frame
    Position the control arm into the frame mounts with new bushings aligned. Insert the front and rear control arm mounting bolts through the frame and control arm bushings. Thread the bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Do NOT torque these bolts yet - they must be torqued with vehicle weight on the suspension.
11. 11

    Reconnect ball joint to knuckle
    Raise the outer end of the control arm with the floor jack to align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. Insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle and thread the ball joint nut onto the stud. Torque the ball joint nut to specification. If equipped with a castellated nut, align the slots with the hole in the stud and install a new cotter pin, bending the ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut101 Nm (75 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link onto the lower control arm mounting stud. Install the nut and hold the ball stud shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub and thread all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a wrench but do not torque yet. Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle until the suspension is at normal ride height with full vehicle weight on the wheels, but keep the jack supporting some weight.
14. 14

    Torque control arm bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle at normal ride height and suspension loaded, torque the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This step is critical to prevent premature bushing failure.
    ⚠Torquing control arm bolts with suspension unloaded will cause bushing binding and premature wear.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Lower the vehicle completely to the ground and remove the jack. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify new cotter pin is properly installed and bent if equipped
3. Remove all tools and equipment from under vehicle
4. Double-check that control arm bolts were torqued at ride height, not with suspension hanging

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noises from front suspension
• Check for proper steering response and wheel alignment
• Listen for clunks or rattles over bumps that might indicate loose fasteners
• Schedule a wheel alignment appointment as suspension work may have affected alignment settings
• After 50-100 miles, re-check torque on control arm bolts and ball joint nut

More procedures for this vehicle