This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear lower control arm on a 2015 Kia Forte, including disconnection of the ball joint and control arm mounting bolts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear lower control arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint nut (if damaged) × 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
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
4. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
5. Spray penetrating oil on control arm bolts and ball joint nut, allow to soak 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear knuckle assembly
   Position a floor jack under the rear knuckle or brake assembly to support its weight. Raise jack just enough to take up slack but not lift the vehicle. This prevents the knuckle from dropping when the control arm is disconnected.
2. 2

   Remove ball joint nut
   Locate the ball joint nut where the lower control arm connects to the rear knuckle. Remove the cotter pin if present. Using a 17mm socket, remove the ball joint nut completely. Keep the nut if it's in good condition for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the control arm ball joint from the knuckle. Insert the tool between the control arm and knuckle, then strike or turn to break the taper fit. Once separated, lower the floor jack slightly to create working room.
   ⚠Do not strike the ball joint stud threads directly as this will damage them. Use a proper ball joint separator tool.
4. 4

   Remove front control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the front mounting bolt that secures the control arm to the subframe or chassis. This is typically the smaller pivot point. Using a 19mm socket and wrench, remove the bolt completely. Note the orientation of any washers or bushings for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rear control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the rear mounting bolt that secures the control arm to the subframe or chassis. Using a 19mm socket and wrench, remove this bolt completely. Support the control arm as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove control arm from vehicle
   With both mounting bolts and ball joint disconnected, remove the lower control arm from the vehicle. Maneuver it out carefully to avoid damaging brake lines or other components. Inspect the removed control arm for damage, torn bushings, or excessive wear.
7. 7

   Prepare new control arm and mounting points
   Clean the mounting bolt holes in the subframe/chassis using a wire brush. Inspect the ball joint taper seat in the knuckle for damage or corrosion and clean if necessary. Compare the new control arm to the old one to ensure correct replacement. Verify bushings are properly seated in the new control arm.
8. 8

   Install new control arm to mounting points
   Position the new control arm into place. Insert the front mounting bolt first, threading it by hand. Then insert the rear mounting bolt and thread by hand. Do NOT tighten these bolts yet - they must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels. Snug them just enough to hold the control arm in position.
9. 9

   Connect ball joint to knuckle
   Raise the floor jack under the knuckle to align the ball joint stud with the hole in the knuckle. Insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle taper. Install the ball joint nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Install a new cotter pin if equipped.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground but the suspension is not yet fully loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Then lower the vehicle completely so full weight is on the wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque control arm bolts with vehicle weight on wheels
    With the vehicle sitting on the ground at normal ride height, torque both the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This is critical - torquing these bolts while the suspension is hanging will preload the bushings incorrectly and cause premature failure. Use a torque wrench and ensure full specification is achieved on both bolts.
    ⚠Control arm bolts MUST be torqued at normal ride height. Torquing while suspension is unloaded will twist bushings and cause premature wear.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque specifications are critical for this repair - verify all fasteners are properly torqued
2. Control arm mounting bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels at normal ride height
3. If a cotter pin was present on the ball joint nut, install a new one and bend properly

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle and verify no clunking or unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Check for proper rear wheel alignment - vehicle may need professional alignment after control arm replacement
• Visually inspect the installation after 50-100 miles to ensure all fasteners remain tight
• Verify the rear suspension sits at proper ride height with no sagging on the repaired side

More procedures for this vehicle