This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear lower control arm on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with 1.8L I4 engine, including proper torque sequence for suspension components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear lower control arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint castle nut (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer specified jacking points
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Spray control arm bolts and ball joint nut with penetrating oil if rusty, allow 10-15 minutes to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear knuckle or lower control arm to support the suspension assembly. Raise jack slightly to take load off the control arm but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping when components are disconnected.
2. 2

   Disconnect ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the ball joint castle nut from the lower control arm ball joint stud where it connects to the rear knuckle. Use a 17mm socket to remove the nut completely. Insert a ball joint separator between the control arm and knuckle, then strike with a hammer or use a threaded separator to pop the ball joint taper from the knuckle. Remove the separator tool.
   ⚠The ball joint may release suddenly when the taper breaks free. Keep hands clear of pinch points.
3. 3

   Remove rear control arm to subframe bolt
   Locate the rear mounting bolt that connects the control arm to the rear subframe or chassis. This is typically a 19mm bolt. Use a breaker bar to loosen and remove this bolt completely. Support the control arm as you remove the bolt to prevent it from dropping.
   ℹ️On some model years, the rear bolt may be accessed more easily from underneath. The bolt passes through a bushing in the control arm.
4. 4

   Remove front control arm to subframe bolt
   Locate the front mounting bolt that connects the control arm to the rear subframe or chassis. This is typically a 19mm bolt. Use a breaker bar to loosen and remove this bolt completely. The control arm is now free and can be removed from the vehicle.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean mounting points
   With the control arm removed, inspect the ball joint mounting hole in the knuckle for damage or elongation. Use a wire brush to clean the bolt holes in the subframe and remove any rust or debris. Inspect the threads on both bolts and replace if damaged. Check that the new control arm bushings are properly seated and not damaged.
6. 6

   Install new control arm
   Position the new lower control arm into place. Insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle hole first, then align the control arm with the subframe mounting points. Thread the new ball joint nut onto the ball joint stud by hand. Insert both front and rear control arm mounting bolts through the subframe and bushings, threading nuts on by hand but do not tighten yet.
   ℹ️Control arm bolts must NOT be torqued until vehicle weight is on the wheels. Only hand tighten at this stage.
7. 7

   Torque ball joint nut
   Using a torque wrench with 17mm socket, torque the ball joint castle nut to specification. If the control arm has a castle nut with cotter pin, ensure torque is achieved and cotter pin holes align. If holes do not align, tighten (do not loosen) up to 1/6 turn additional until holes align, then install new cotter pin.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
   Reinstall the rear wheel onto the hub and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle to the ground so that the full weight of the vehicle is resting on all four wheels. Do not fully torque lug nuts yet as the vehicle may need to be rolled.
9. 9

   Torque control arm bolts with weight on wheels
   With the vehicle on the ground and suspension at normal ride height, use a torque wrench to torque both the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This is critical - torquing these bolts while the suspension is hanging will pre-load the bushings incorrectly and cause premature failure.
   ⚠️Control arm bolts MUST be torqued at normal ride height with vehicle weight on wheels. Failure to do so will cause bushing damage.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the wheel against the hub.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification and no tools or parts are left under the vehicle
2. If a cotter pin was used on the ball joint, verify it is properly installed and spread
3. Remove wheel chocks and lower jack stands

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Perform a visual inspection underneath to confirm no interference between control arm and other components
• Check for proper wheel alignment - vehicle should track straight. A professional alignment is recommended after control arm replacement
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving

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