This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front lower control arm radius arm bushings on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with the 1.8L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front lower control arm radius arm bushing (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front lower control arm radius arm bushing (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint cotter pin (if equipped) × 2 — Replace if removed

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 (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Apply penetrating oil to all control arm fasteners and ball joint nut, allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the front sway bar link connection to the lower control arm. Use a 6mm Allen key to hold the ball joint shaft while removing the lower nut with a wrench. Separate the sway bar link from the control arm.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove ball joint cotter pin and nut
   Locate the lower ball joint where it connects to the steering knuckle. If equipped with a cotter pin, straighten and remove it. Using a breaker bar and appropriate socket, remove the ball joint castle nut. Do not discard the nut.
   ⚠Do not strike the ball joint stud with a hammer as this can damage the threads and taper.
   Torque spec

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

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Using a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork, carefully separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Insert the tool between the control arm and knuckle, then apply pressure to break the taper fit. Once separated, push the knuckle assembly upward and outward to provide clearance.
   ⚠Support the brake rotor and knuckle assembly to prevent damage to the CV axle boot or brake hose.
4. 4

   Remove rear control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the rear control arm bolt that passes through the radius arm bushing at the subframe. This is the rearmost attachment point of the control arm. Using a breaker bar, remove this bolt completely and set aside. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers.
   ⚠Support the control arm with a jack or stand as you remove this bolt to prevent sudden dropping.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove front control arm mounting bolt
   Locate and remove the front control arm mounting bolt at the subframe. This is typically forward of the radius arm bushing location. Once removed, carefully lower and remove the control arm from the vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Inspect control arm and clean mounting area
   With the control arm removed, inspect for cracks, deformation, or other damage. Clean the bushing bore area thoroughly with a wire brush. Also clean the subframe mounting locations where bushings contact to remove dirt and corrosion.
7. 7

   Remove old radius arm bushing
   Using a hydraulic press and appropriate sized bushing removal tool or driver, press the old radius arm bushing out of the control arm. Position the control arm on the press with support underneath, ensuring the bushing has clearance to exit. Apply steady pressure until the bushing is completely removed. Inspect the bushing bore for damage.
   ⚠Ensure the control arm is properly supported during pressing operations to prevent bending or damage.
8. 8

   Install new radius arm bushing
   Apply a light coating of soapy water or approved rubber lubricant to the outer surface of the new bushing (do not use petroleum-based products). Position the new bushing in the control arm bore, ensuring proper orientation if the bushing is directional. Using the hydraulic press and installation tool, press the bushing into place until it is fully seated and flush with the control arm. Verify the bushing is centered and properly aligned.
   ⚠Install the bushing straight to avoid cocking or tearing. Check for alignment marks on some OEM bushings.
9. 9

   Reinstall control arm to subframe
   Position the control arm back into the subframe mounting locations. Insert the front control arm mounting bolt first, threading it by hand but do not tighten. Then insert the rear mounting bolt through the new radius arm bushing. Thread both bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment. Do not torque at this time.
10. 10

    Reconnect ball joint to knuckle
    Lower the steering knuckle assembly back onto the ball joint stud. Ensure the taper is clean and seats properly. Install the ball joint nut and tighten to specification. Install a new cotter pin if equipped, bending the ends to secure.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Reconnect the sway bar link to the control arm. Insert the ball stud into the control arm mounting point. Install the nut while holding the stud with a 6mm Allen key. Tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Carefully lower the vehicle from jack stands until the suspension is at normal ride height with full vehicle weight on the wheels, but keep the jack supporting slightly so the vehicle cannot roll. This is the critical step for torquing control arm bolts.
13. 13

    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 - these bolts must be torqued with the suspension loaded to prevent bushing bind and premature wear.
    ⚠Failure to torque control arm bolts at ride height will cause immediate bushing failure and potential handling problems.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final wheel installation
    Remove the jack completely and lower the vehicle fully to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1-14 for the opposite side control arm radius arm bushing. Both sides should be replaced together to maintain balanced suspension characteristics.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification in the correct sequence
2. Verify all suspension components move freely through their range of motion
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area
4. Confirm brake hoses and ABS wiring have proper clearance and are not pinched or stretched

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises from the front suspension
• Check for proper steering response and verify the vehicle tracks straight
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment immediately - control arm work always requires alignment
• After 50-100 miles, re-check all control arm bolt torque values
• Inspect for any fluid leaks or loose components after initial driving

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