This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear lateral arm (lower control arm) on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with 2.5L I4 AWD engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear lateral arm (lower control arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint castle nut (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm mounting bolts/nuts × 2 — Reuse if in good condition

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-approved lift points
4. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
5. Spray penetrating oil on lateral arm mounting bolts and ball joint nut, allow to soak 10-15 minutes
6. Clean threads and mounting surfaces with wire brush

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear knuckle assembly
   Position floor jack under the rear knuckle assembly to support the weight of the suspension components. Raise jack just enough to take up slack but not lift the vehicle further.
2. 2

   Disconnect ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the ball joint castle nut securing the lateral arm ball joint to the rear knuckle. Use a ball joint separator tool or carefully use a pickle fork to separate the ball joint taper from the knuckle. Do not damage the ball joint boot if reusing components.
   ⚠Do not strike the knuckle directly with a hammer as this may damage wheel bearings or ABS components.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove front mounting bolt
   Locate the front mounting bolt that secures the lateral arm to the subframe. This is typically the bolt closest to the front of the vehicle. Use a 19mm socket and breaker bar to remove the bolt and any washers. Note the orientation and position of any spacers or washers for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove rear mounting bolt
   Remove the rear mounting bolt that secures the lateral arm to the rear suspension crossmember or chassis mounting point. Use appropriate size socket (typically 21mm) and support the arm as you remove the final bolt.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove lateral arm
   With both mounting bolts removed and ball joint disconnected, carefully lower and remove the lateral arm from the vehicle. Inspect all mounting points, bushings, and ball joint for wear, damage, or deterioration. Compare old arm to new arm to ensure correct replacement part.
6. 6

   Install new lateral arm
   Position the new lateral arm into place. Insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle mounting hole. Thread the ball joint nut on by hand but do not fully tighten yet. Ensure the ball joint seats properly in the taper.
7. 7

   Install mounting bolts (hand tight)
   Insert the front and rear mounting bolts through the lateral arm bushings and into their respective mounting points. Thread bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Do NOT torque these bolts yet - they must be torqued with vehicle weight on the ground.
   ℹ️Control arm bolts must only be hand-tightened at this stage. Final torque occurs after vehicle is lowered.
8. 8

   Torque ball joint nut
   With the knuckle supported by the floor jack and suspension at normal ride height position, torque the ball joint castle nut to specification. If using a castle nut, align the cotter pin hole and install a new cotter pin.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall wheel
   Install the rear wheel and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Final torque control arm bolts
    With the vehicle weight now resting on the suspension at normal ride height (tire on ground, suspension loaded), torque both the front and rear lateral arm mounting bolts to specification. This ensures the bushings are not preloaded in a twisted position.
    ⚠Failure to torque control arm bolts with vehicle weight on wheels will cause premature bushing failure.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Complete wheel installation
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify ball joint is properly seated and secured with cotter pin if applicable
3. Double-check that control arm mounting bolts were torqued with vehicle weight on wheels

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper handling and stability during turns
• Re-torque all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving
• Schedule four-wheel alignment as suspension geometry has been altered

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