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Front Lower Control Arm

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by richard203, Nov 20, 2023.

  1. richard203

    richard203 Member

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    How do you guys align the bolt for it? im doing my passenger side right now and it took me like 2hr of struggle and still cant put it in.
     
    #1 richard203, Nov 20, 2023
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    The secret is not buying aftermarket parts, they don't fit well
     
    #2 JC91006, Nov 20, 2023
  3. richard203

    richard203 Member

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    ya i didnt know it would be that bad of a fit, I guess thats why it cost $50 lol. I guess i'll give it another try tomorrow and if it dont work oem time. lol
     
    #3 richard203, Nov 20, 2023
  4. zeng

    zeng Junior Member

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    You shouldn't have removed the 'bottom' bolt if you've already done so, it should be loosened, slightly.

    It's about 'skill' to pop in the top aftermarket bolt.
     
    #4 zeng, Nov 22, 2023
  5. richard203

    richard203 Member

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    what u mean by "shouldnt have removed the bottom bolt"? u have to remove all the bolt to put a new control arm in and what aftermarket bolt?



    but anyways for those that having trouble with aftermarket lower control arm I managed to put it in. lucky i got a endoscope camera to stick that into the hole and line it up and then marking a few spot and then use the bolt to match the spot i marked.
     
    #5 richard203, Nov 22, 2023
    Last edited: Nov 22, 2023
    douglasjre likes this.
  6. zeng

    zeng Junior Member

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    Thousand apologies as my mind wanders to eccentric front camber (aftermarket) bolts installation, and off topic.
     
    #6 zeng, Nov 22, 2023
  7. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    When I am doing a control arm like this, I try to have the arm parallel to the ground (about the same position it would be in if it was installed and the car was on its tires).

    Leave the ball joint disconnected, then move the steering knuckle as far "out of the way" as possible. I remove the axle nut, a sway bar link stud nut, (and brake hose bracket or wheel speed sensor wire as needed). Then use a rope or ratchet strap to pull the knuckle back and out to get enough room to fit the control arm and bolts.

    That "flat to the ground" position for the arm is about where it should be when you tighten the front mounting bolt to specification. If the arm isn't at "normal ride height" when the front bolt is torqued, the the front bushing will tear and fail soon afterwards.


    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #7 mr_guy_mann, Nov 24, 2023
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