Replacing driver side control arm

Discuss any maintenance you've done to your Vibe & Matrix and ask how to perform maintenance on your vehicle
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cptnsolo77
Posts: 1645
Joined: Sun Jul 29, 2007 4:05 am

Replacing driver side control arm

Post by cptnsolo77 »

Well it looks like I have a bad control arm bushing and time to replace it. I searched on this forum and couldnt find any info so I guess im the first ??? :lol: I found info on other boards/sites and it looks like I have to raise the transmission to clear ONE BOLT :x.....anyhow it must be done. I need new tires and also need a alignment from when I replaced the front struts & inner/outer tie rods. I never raised the trans on any vehicle so im a lil apprehensive. Looks like all i have to do is loosen the trans mount or remove and that will give me clearance. Soooooo is raising the trans just as simple as ONE trans mount ? Im terrified that tilting the trans will put stress on another component and break something. HEEELLLLP !!!! :lol:

This is what i found :

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/132-9 ... l-arm.html

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/132-9 ... moval.html

http://carsbikesandbabes.com/?p=487

http://www.corollaforum.com/threads/200 ... arms.3147/

http://boardreader.com/thread/Matrix_lo ... Xlxvm.html
* 2003 Vibe Auto Satellite Silver w / Moons & Tunes
* Kenwood Excelon KDC-X597
* Polk DB651-Speakers
* Soundproofcow Roadblock R sound deadening in all doors
* Drop In K & N Filter
* NGK Iridium IX Plugs
* 27 MPG City/Highway with AC on
jolt
Posts: 945
Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2014 2:07 am
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota

Re: Replacing driver side control arm

Post by jolt »

First thing is safety when you are doing this. Only lift or move the engine enough to do the work that you need to do. The further you move the engine, the more likely that you will damage something connected to the engine. Take your time and look to make sure you have slack in the wires, hoses, cables, etc... before moving. DO NOT let the engine/transmission fall as something will surely get damaged if that happens. Check and then double check before and as you are moving the engine and transmission. Use a engine lift support.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=engine+support&t=ffsb&ia=web

You may be able to make your own engine support from a 4x4, some eye bolts, and a chain. Link here with shown a home made wooden lift:

http://bernardembden.com/xjs/enginesupport/index.htm

p.s. You did a search here on this board about the lower arms and about the warning of cheap ebay arms that can not be aligned when installed.
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