This procedure covers the replacement of the lower control arm radius arm bushings on the 2015 Kia Forte, requiring control arm removal and bushing press work.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lower control arm radius arm bushing (per side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint castle nut (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm bolts (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer frame points
5. Remove front wheel on affected side
6. Apply penetrating oil to ball joint nut, control arm bolts, and any corroded fasteners; allow 10-15 minutes to penetrate

Procedure

1. 1

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the ball joint castle nut using a 19mm socket. Insert ball joint separator tool between the lower control arm and steering knuckle. Tighten separator tool or strike with hammer to break the taper fit. Do not damage the ball joint boot if reusing the control arm.
   ⚠Ball joint may separate suddenly. Keep clear of pinch point between control arm and knuckle.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link from control arm
   Locate the sway bar end link connection to the lower control arm. Use a 17mm wrench to hold the ball stud shaft while loosening the nut with appropriate socket. Remove nut and disconnect end link from control arm.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove rear control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the rear control arm mounting bolt that connects the control arm to the subframe at the radius arm bushing location. Use a 21mm socket to remove this bolt completely. Support the control arm with a jack or by hand to prevent it from dropping.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove front control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the front control arm mounting bolt at the forward subframe connection point. Use appropriate socket to remove this bolt completely. Carefully lower and remove the control arm from the vehicle. Note the orientation and position of any washers or spacers.
   Torque spec

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

   Inspect and clean control arm
   Inspect the control arm for cracks, deformation, or damage. Clean the bushing bore area with a wire brush, removing all rust and debris. Mark the orientation of the old bushing before removal to ensure correct installation of new bushing.
6. 6

   Press out old radius arm bushing
   Position control arm in hydraulic press or use bushing service kit. Select appropriate press adapter that contacts only the outer bushing shell, not the control arm itself. Press the old bushing out of the control arm bore. Note the bushing orientation for proper new bushing installation.
   ⚠Ensure press adapters contact only the bushing shell to avoid damaging the control arm bore.
7. 7

   Install new radius arm bushing
   Clean the control arm bushing bore thoroughly. Apply light coat of rubber lubricant or soapy water to the new bushing outer shell. Position new bushing aligned with bore, matching orientation marks from removal. Using hydraulic press with correct adapters, press new bushing into control arm until fully seated and flush with the control arm housing on both sides.
   ℹ️Do not use petroleum-based lubricants on rubber bushings as this will cause premature deterioration.
8. 8

   Reinstall control arm to subframe
   Position control arm back into vehicle at both mounting points. Insert front and rear control arm mounting bolts but do not fully tighten yet. Thread bolts in by hand to hold position. Ensure any washers or spacers are correctly positioned as noted during removal.
9. 9

   Reconnect ball joint to knuckle
   Raise the outer end of the control arm to align the ball joint stud with the steering knuckle hole. You may need to use a pry bar or jack to manipulate the suspension. Insert ball joint stud fully into knuckle taper. Install new or reused castle nut and tighten to specification.
   Torque spec

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

    Reconnect sway bar end link
    Position sway bar end link to control arm mounting point. Install nut onto ball stud. Hold the ball stud shaft with Allen key or wrench while torquing nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground but suspension is not fully loaded. Do not torque wheel lug nuts yet. Vehicle must be at normal ride height before torquing control arm bolts.
12. 12

    Torque control arm bolts at ride height
    With vehicle weight on suspension (wheels on ground but vehicle still supported for safety), torque both front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This critical step ensures bushings are in neutral position under normal load, preventing premature wear.
    ⚠Control arm bolts MUST be torqued with vehicle at ride height. Torquing with suspension hanging will cause bushing binding and premature failure.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final wheel installation
    Raise vehicle fully and remove jack stands. Lower vehicle completely to ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the procedure steps above
2. If both sides were serviced, verify all fasteners on both sides are properly torqued
3. Wheel alignment is recommended after control arm bushing replacement to ensure proper tire wear and handling

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from front suspension
• Check for proper steering response and straight-line tracking
• Re-check all fastener torques after 50-100 miles of driving
• Inspect for any fluid leaks or loosened components
• Schedule wheel alignment to verify and adjust camber, caster, and toe settings

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