This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear lateral arm (also called rear lower control arm) on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with 1.8L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear lateral arm (lower control arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Control arm mounting bolts × 2 — Reuse if threads are clean and undamaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock 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 manufacturer-specified jacking points on chassis
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Apply penetrating oil to all control arm bolts and ball joint nut if corrosion is visible
7. Inspect lateral arm bushings and ball joint for wear or damage to confirm replacement is necessary

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear knuckle assembly
   Position a floor jack under the rear knuckle or lower portion of the rear strut assembly. Raise jack just enough to support the weight and take load off the lateral arm. This prevents the knuckle from dropping when the arm is disconnected.
2. 2

   Remove the ball joint nut
   Locate the ball joint connection at the rear knuckle. Remove the cotter pin if equipped. Using a 19mm socket, remove the ball joint castle nut connecting the lateral arm to the rear knuckle. Keep the nut for comparison with replacement hardware.
   ℹ️Some model years use a castle nut with cotter pin, others use a prevailing torque nut without cotter pin.
3. 3

   Separate the ball joint from the knuckle
   Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to separate the lateral arm ball joint from the rear knuckle. If using a pickle fork, be aware this may damage the ball joint boot. Alternatively, tap the knuckle boss area with a hammer while applying light prying pressure to release the taper. Do not damage the knuckle threads.
4. 4

   Remove the front mounting bolt
   Locate the front mounting bolt that secures the lateral arm to the rear subframe or crossmember. This is typically the forward-most connection point. Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, remove the bolt completely. The bolt passes through the bushing and subframe bracket. Support the arm as you remove the bolt.
   ⚠This bolt is under tension. Control the arm as the bolt is removed to prevent sudden movement.
5. 5

   Remove the rear mounting bolt
   Remove the rear mounting bolt that secures the lateral arm to the rear subframe bracket. This is typically located toward the center or rear of the vehicle relative to the front bolt. Use a 21mm socket to remove the bolt. Once both bolts are removed, the lateral arm can be maneuvered out of the suspension assembly.
6. 6

   Remove the lateral arm
   Carefully extract the lateral arm from the vehicle. You may need to manipulate the arm angle and use a pry bar to work it past the subframe brackets. Inspect the removed arm for bushing damage, torn boots, and ball joint play to confirm diagnosis.
7. 7

   Prepare mounting points
   Clean all mounting bolt holes in the subframe with a wire brush. Remove any corrosion, dirt, or old thread locker. Inspect threads for damage. Clean the ball joint taper seat in the rear knuckle. Apply a light coat of anti-seize to bolt threads unless using new bolts with pre-applied thread locker.
8. 8

   Install the new lateral arm
   Position the new lateral arm into place. Insert the ball joint stud into the rear knuckle taper first. Hand-thread the ball joint nut to hold the arm in position but do not tighten. Align the bushings with the subframe mounting brackets.
9. 9

   Install mounting bolts finger-tight
   Insert both front and rear mounting bolts through the bushings and subframe brackets. Thread bolts in by hand to ensure proper alignment. Snug bolts lightly but do NOT torque at this time. The suspension must be at normal ride height before final torquing of control arm bolts.
   ⚠Do not fully tighten control arm mounting bolts until vehicle weight is on suspension. Tightening at full droop will twist and damage bushings.
10. 10

    Torque the ball joint nut
    Using a torque wrench and 19mm socket, torque the ball joint castle nut to specification. If using a castle nut, align the slots with the cotter pin hole and install a new cotter pin. The nut may be tightened further to align slots but never back off the nut. Bend cotter pin ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Lower vehicle to load suspension
    Remove jack stands and lower the vehicle until the tires contact the ground and suspension is at normal ride height. The vehicle weight must be fully on the wheels. Do not allow vehicle to rest on jack only. This loads the suspension bushings in their normal operating position.
12. 12

    Torque control arm mounting bolts
    With vehicle weight on suspension at normal ride height, use a torque wrench and 21mm socket to torque both the front and rear lateral arm mounting bolts to specification. Torque each bolt in a single smooth motion. Verify both bolts are properly torqued.
    ⚠These bolts MUST be torqued with vehicle at ride height. This is critical for bushing longevity.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheel and final torque
    Raise the vehicle slightly to remove the floor jack from under the knuckle if still in place. Mount the rear wheel onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification, paying special attention that control arm bolts were torqued at ride height
2. Confirm ball joint castle nut is properly secured with cotter pin if applicable
3. Remove all tools and jack stands from under vehicle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noises from rear suspension
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm no loose fasteners or contact between components
• Schedule a four-wheel alignment as replacement of the lateral arm will affect rear toe and camber settings
• Re-check all torque specifications after 50-100 miles of driving

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