Lower Control Arm - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear lower control arm on a 2007 Ram 3500 with 5.9L Cummins diesel engine and 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear lower control arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm hardware kit (if bolts are corroded) × 1 — Optional replacement

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock the front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
6. Spray all control arm mounting bolts and ball joint stud with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle
   Position a hydraulic floor jack under the rear axle housing near the control arm mounting point. Raise jack until it just contacts the axle and supports some weight, but does not lift the vehicle off the jack stands. This prevents the axle from dropping when the control arm is removed.
2. 2

   Remove lower shock bolt
   If the shock absorber interferes with control arm removal, remove the lower shock mounting bolt using the appropriate socket size for this vehicle (verify actual fastener size). Support the shock to prevent it from hanging on the brake line or other components. Support the shock to prevent it from hanging on the brake line or other components.
3. 3

   Disconnect control arm from axle bracket
   Locate the control arm to axle bracket mounting bolt at the forward end of the control arm. Using the correct socket size for this vehicle on the nut and a wrench to hold the bolt head, remove the bolt completely. You may need to slightly adjust the height of the floor jack supporting the axle to align the bolt for removal. You may need to slightly adjust the height of the floor jack supporting the axle to align the bolt for removal.
4. 4

   Disconnect control arm from frame bracket
   Locate the control arm to frame bracket mounting bolt at the rear end of the control arm near the frame rail. Using the correct socket size for this vehicle on the nut and wrench to hold the bolt head, remove the bolt completely. The control arm may need to be pried or maneuvered slightly to remove the bolt if bushings have seized. The control arm may need to be pried or maneuvered slightly to remove the bolt if bushings have seized.
5. 5

   Remove control arm
   Carefully lower the control arm from the vehicle. If the arm is stuck in the mounting brackets due to seized bushings, use a pry bar to carefully work it free. Inspect the mounting points on both the axle bracket and frame bracket for damage, excessive rust, or wear.
6. 6

   Prepare new control arm
   Compare the new control arm to the old unit to verify correct part. Inspect all bushings and mounting points on the new arm. If the new arm does not come with hardware, inspect the old bolts and nuts for thread damage, corrosion, or stretching. Replace if necessary.
7. 7

   Clean mounting points
   Use a wire brush to clean the mounting holes in both the axle bracket and frame bracket. Remove all rust, debris, and old thread lock compound. This ensures proper bolt alignment and torque during installation.
8. 8

   Install control arm to frame bracket
   Position the new control arm with the frame end first. Insert the bolt through the frame bracket and control arm bushing. Start the nut by hand but do not fully tighten yet. The bolt should slide through freely; if not, adjust the jack height under the axle.
9. 9

   Install control arm to axle bracket
   Align the forward end of the control arm with the axle bracket. You may need to raise or lower the floor jack slightly to align the holes. Insert the bolt through the bracket and control arm bushing. Start the nut by hand but do not fully tighten.
10. 10

    Torque control arm bolts
    With the vehicle weight on the suspension (vehicle lowered to normal ride height or jack raised to simulate load), torque both control arm mounting bolts to specification per factory service manual. Torque specification must be obtained from the factory service manual for this specific application before final assembly; do not rely on an assumed value.
11. 11

    Reinstall shock absorber
    If the lower shock bolt was removed, reinstall it and torque to specification. Ensure the shock is properly positioned and not twisted.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall rear wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts
2. Lower vehicle to ground and remove jack stands
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to 135 ft-lbs in a star pattern
4. Remove floor jack from under axle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises or handling issues from rear suspension
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check control arm bolt torque to ensure no loosening has occurred
• Inspect control arm installation visually to confirm proper alignment and no contact with other components
• Schedule alignment check if vehicle pulls to one side or tire wear becomes uneven

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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