Here's a general outline of the process:
1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Work in a well-ventilated area. Use jack stands, never rely solely on a jack. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental short circuits. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
* Gather Tools: You'll need a jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, lug wrench, socket set (metric), torque wrench, ball joint separator (pickle fork or ball joint press is recommended to avoid damage), possibly a spring compressor (depending on the specific design), penetrating oil (PB Blaster or similar), and a suitable place to work (garage or driveway).
* Parts: Order the correct replacement lower control arm for your vehicle. Make sure to get the right one for the driver's side or passenger's side. You might also consider replacing related worn bushings or ball joints at the same time.
2. Vehicle Preparation:
* Secure the vehicle: Chock the wheels on the opposite side of the car you're working on. Safely raise the vehicle using a jack and secure it on jack stands.
* Remove the wheel: Remove the lug nuts and carefully remove the wheel.
3. Lower Control Arm Removal:
* Disconnect the sway bar link: Locate the sway bar link attached to the lower control arm. Use a wrench to remove the nut and separate the link.
* Disconnect the brake line bracket (if necessary): Some models may have the brake line secured to the lower control arm. Carefully loosen and remove the bracket to free up the control arm.
* Disconnect the ABS sensor (if applicable): If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), you might need to disconnect the ABS sensor wire from the lower control arm.
* Remove the control arm bolts: This is often the most challenging part. The bolts may be rusted or seized. Use penetrating oil liberally and allow time for it to work. You'll likely need to use a breaker bar or impact wrench. There are typically two bolts attaching the control arm to the subframe.
* Separate the ball joint: This requires a ball joint separator tool (pickle fork or ball joint press). Use caution to avoid damaging the ball joint or surrounding components. The separator will separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
* Remove the control arm: Once all the fasteners are removed and the ball joint is separated, carefully remove the lower control arm from the vehicle.
4. Lower Control Arm Installation:
* Install new bushings and ball joints (if replacing): If you're replacing the bushings or ball joints, install the new ones according to the manufacturer's instructions.
* Install the new lower control arm: Carefully align the new control arm and install the bolts. Tighten them to the correct torque specification (consult your repair manual).
* Reconnect the ball joint: Carefully connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle.
* Reconnect the sway bar link and brake line bracket (if applicable): Reattach the sway bar link and any brake lines.
* Reconnect ABS sensor (if applicable): Reconnect the ABS sensor.
* Torque all fasteners: Use a torque wrench to tighten all fasteners to the manufacturer's specifications. This is crucial for safety and proper suspension function.
5. Final Steps:
* Lower the vehicle slowly and carefully.
* Install the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the correct torque.
* Lower the vehicle completely.
* Double-check all connections.
* Test drive the vehicle carefully to ensure everything is working correctly.
Important Considerations:
* Alignment: After replacing a lower control arm, it's crucial to have a wheel alignment performed by a professional. Improper alignment can lead to tire wear and handling issues.
* Suspension Geometry: Be mindful of the suspension geometry throughout the process. Incorrect installation can have serious consequences.
* Professional Assistance: If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
This is a general guide. Always refer to a repair manual specific to your 2000 Lincoln LS for detailed instructions, torque specifications, and diagrams. Improper repair can lead to serious safety hazards. Remember safety is paramount throughout the entire process.
