This procedure covers the replacement of the front lower control arm bushings on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla, which may require pressing out old bushings and installing new ones, or replacing the entire control arm assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front lower control arm bushings (left and/or right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins for ball joint × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm assembly (if replacing complete arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ball joint cotter pin and nut
   Locate the lower ball joint where it connects to the steering knuckle. Use side cutters to remove and discard the cotter pin. Using a 22mm socket, remove the ball joint castle nut completely. Keep the nut if it is in good condition or have a replacement ready.
2. 2

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to separate the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle. Position the tool between the control arm and knuckle, then strike or tighten to break the taper fit. Avoid damaging the ball joint boot if reusing the control arm. The knuckle can now pivot away from the control arm.
   ⚠The ball joint separator may release suddenly. Keep hands and face clear of the separation point.
3. 3

   Remove front control arm bolt
   Locate the front control arm mounting bolt that connects the control arm to the subframe. This is typically a 17mm or 19mm bolt. Support the control arm with your hand or a jack, then remove the bolt and any washers completely. Note the orientation of washers and bushings for reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove rear control arm bolt
   Locate the rear control arm mounting bolt. Support the control arm to prevent it from falling, then remove the rear bolt and any washers. The control arm should now be free to remove from the vehicle. Lower it carefully and set aside on a clean work surface.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean control arm
   Thoroughly inspect the control arm for cracks, deformation, or damage. Clean the bushing areas with a wire brush to remove rust and debris. Check the ball joint for excessive play or torn boots. If the ball joint is damaged or the arm is bent, replace the entire assembly rather than just the bushings.
6. 6

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press and appropriately sized adapters, press out the old bushings from the control arm. Support the control arm on the press bed with the bushing suspended over an opening. Apply steady pressure to drive the bushing out. Repeat for both front and rear bushings. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly after removal.
   ⚠️Wear safety glasses when using a hydraulic press. Bushings can release suddenly and metal fragments may fly out.
7. 7

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coating of soapy water or appropriate lubricant to the new bushings (do not use oil-based lubricants). Position the new bushing squarely in the control arm bore. Using the hydraulic press with proper adapters, press the bushing in until it is fully seated and flush with the control arm. Ensure the bushing is oriented correctly per manufacturer specifications. Repeat for the second bushing position.
8. 8

   Install control arm to subframe (loose)
   Position the control arm back into the subframe mounting points. Insert the front and rear control arm bolts with washers in their original orientations. Thread the bolts by hand but DO NOT TORQUE YET. Leave the bolts loose enough that the bushings can rotate slightly. This is critical for proper bushing alignment.
   ⚠Do not torque control arm bolts until vehicle weight is on the suspension. Premature torquing will pre-load bushings and cause early failure.
9. 9

   Connect ball joint to knuckle
   Pivot the steering knuckle back toward the control arm. Insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle taper. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification using a 22mm socket and torque wrench. Align the castle nut slots with the ball joint stud hole, tightening further if necessary (never loosen to align). Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
   Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount the front wheel back onto the hub, ensuring it seats properly against the hub face. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern with a hand wrench, but do not torque to final specification yet.
11. 11

    Lower vehicle to load suspension
    Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands until the full weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheels, but keep the vehicle raised enough for access underneath (approximately 6-12 inches of ground clearance). The suspension must be at normal ride height to properly torque the control arm bolts. You may need to use the jack to achieve the correct working height while maintaining weight on the suspension.
12. 12

    Torque control arm bolts with weight on suspension
    With the vehicle weight now on the suspension, torque both the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This ensures the bushings are in their neutral position and will not be pre-loaded. Use a torque wrench to achieve the proper specification.
    Torque spec

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

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

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if replacing both sides
2. Double-check that all fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Verify new cotter pins are properly installed and bent
4. Ensure no tools or parts were left in wheel well or under vehicle

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from the front suspension
• Perform a visual inspection underneath to confirm all bolts are tight and cotter pins are secure
• Have the front wheel alignment checked and adjusted as bushing replacement will affect alignment settings
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Monitor for any clunking, squeaking, or handling issues over the next several drives

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