PT Cruiser Lower Control Arm Replacement

[The Critic]

Hey guys,

I got talked into doing struts, shocks and the front lower control arms on a 2002 PT Cruiser.

The struts and shocks look fairly straightforward, but I would like some tips/suggestions on the lower control arms. If anyone has done this job before, I'd appreciate any advice and instructions that you can share.

Thanks.

 

[Merkava_4]

I'd pull the axles out. I know you're not supposed to have to, but I find it actually saves me more time because I don't have to work around them. But I gotta special way of doing it. I disconnect the strut and the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle and then pull the steering knuckle away from the axle - instead of trying to pull the axle away from the steering knuckle. I leave the hub bolted to the steering knuckle and pull the hub and the steering knuckle away from the axle at the same time. With the axle and steering knuckle out of the way, I now have plenty of room to pull the lower control arm. I know I left out the part about disconnecting the sway bar link from the lower control arm and disconnecting the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle, but I didn't want to overwhelm you with the details.

 

[racer12306]

Get Moog problem solvers. Saves a ton of labor.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: racer12306
Get Moog problem solvers. Saves a ton of labor.


I ordered the raybestos ones. I got the last set from Amaxon for a steal. Had a recent bad experience with Moog.

 

[VNTS]

Only hang up is the vertical bolt into the subframe,
the nut is inside the subframe, if it brakes/spins you have to cut a hole in the subframe, either from the side or yank the seats, pull the carpet back, will be indents in the floor stamping right above the nuts.

I yank the sway bar, repalce the cushions and outer links, lower motor mount on pass side, pop the ball joints. Can change them in 45 minutes per side and Moog makes good ones.