This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the lower control arm (radius arm) on a 2015 Kia Forte with a 1.8L engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lower control arm (radius arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint castle nut (if not reusable) × 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 while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer specified lift points
5. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
6. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from control arm
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the lower control arm. Hold the ball joint shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the lower nut securing the sway bar link to the control arm. Separate the link from the control arm.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove ball joint castle nut
   Locate the ball joint stud where the control arm connects to the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin if equipped. Using a 19mm socket, remove the castle nut from the ball joint stud. Do not fully remove the nut yet; leave it threaded on a few turns to protect the threads.
   ⚠Leaving the nut partially threaded prevents the control arm from dropping suddenly when the taper is broken.
   Torque spec

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

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Position a ball joint separator tool between the control arm and steering knuckle. Tighten the tool to apply pressure to break the tapered fit. Once the ball joint stud releases from the knuckle, remove the castle nut completely and lower the control arm away from the knuckle.
   ⚠Do not hammer on the knuckle or control arm as this can cause damage to the components or ball joint.
4. 4

   Remove front control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the front mounting bolt that secures the control arm to the front subframe bushing. This bolt passes through the control arm bushing horizontally. Using a 17mm socket and wrench, remove the bolt and washer. Note the orientation of any alignment marks or washers 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 rear subframe bushing. Using a 17mm socket and wrench, remove this bolt and washer. 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 all fasteners removed, maneuver the control arm out from underneath the vehicle. It may be necessary to rotate or angle the arm to clear the subframe and steering components. Inspect the removal area for any debris or corrosion.
7. 7

   Prepare new control arm
   Unbox the new control arm and verify it matches the original part. Check that the ball joint boots are intact and properly greased. Transfer any brackets or hardware from the old arm if they are not included with the new part. Clean the subframe mounting areas with a wire brush.
8. 8

   Install new control arm to subframe
   Position the new control arm into place under the vehicle. Align the front bushing with the front mounting point on the subframe and insert the bolt finger-tight. Align the rear bushing with the rear mounting point and insert that bolt finger-tight as well. Do not fully tighten these bolts yet.
   ℹ️Control arm bushings must be torqued with vehicle at normal ride height to prevent binding and premature wear.
9. 9

   Connect ball joint to steering knuckle
   Lift the outer end of the control arm and align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. Insert the stud through the knuckle until it is fully seated. Install the new castle nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

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

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Align the sway bar link with the mounting point on the control arm. Install the lower nut while holding the ball joint shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning. Torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but the suspension is not yet compressed. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Then fully lower the vehicle so that the suspension is at normal ride height with vehicle weight on the wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque control arm bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle at normal ride height and weight on the wheels, torque both the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This is critical to prevent premature bushing failure. Use a torque wrench and ensure each bolt reaches 165 Nm (122 lb-ft).
    ⚠Failure to torque control arm bolts at ride height will cause bushing failure and handling problems.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are tightened to proper specifications
2. Install cotter pin through ball joint castle nut if equipped
3. Double-check wheel lug nut torque after test drive

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises or vibrations from front suspension
• Check for proper steering response and no pulling to either side
• Perform visual inspection under vehicle to confirm all fasteners are secure and no components are loose
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as control arm replacement affects camber and toe angles

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