1. Safety Precautions
- Ensure that the vehicle is in a safe, level position and that the parking brake is engaged. Engage wheel chocks on the front wheels.
- Wear safety glasses and appropriate clothing.
2. Gather Tools and Parts
- Collect necessary tools and parts, including new control arms, sockets, wrenches, jack, jack stands, pry bar, and a torque wrench.
3. Lift the Vehicle
- Using a jack and jack stands, safely raise the rear of the vehicle so you have enough room to work underneath it.
4. Remove the Wheel/Tire
- Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the lug nuts. Take off the wheel and tire to gain access to the lower control arm area.
5. Disconnect the Stabilizer Bar Link
- Locate the stabilizer bar link that attaches to the lower control arm. Use a wrench to loosen and remove the nuts holding the link in place. Separate the link from the control arm.
6. Support the Axle
- Use a jack and a piece of wood or a thick rubber block to support the rear axle. This is to avoid the axle from dropping suddenly once you remove the control arms.
7. Remove the Lower Control Arm Bolts:
- Locate the bolts that fasten the lower control arm to the vehicle frame. Use a wrench or socket to loosen and remove these bolts.
8. Remove the Old Control Arms
- Once the bolts are removed, use a pry bar to pry the control arm from its mount. Remove both the driver and passenger side control arms.
9. Install the New Control Arms:
- Offer up the new control arms to their respective mounting positions. Insert the bolts through the holes.
10. Torque the Bolts
- Gradually tighten the bolts that hold the control arm in place, alternating between the two sides to ensure even pressure. Follow the specified torque specifications from your vehicle's service manual.
11. Reattach Stabilizer Bar Link
- Reconnect the stabilizer bar link to the new lower control arm and tighten the nuts.
12. Remove Jack Stands and Lower the Vehicle.
- Lower the vehicle by carefully removing the jack stands and then the jack.
13. Install the Wheel/Tire
- Reinstall the wheel and tire and secure it with the lug nuts.
14. Test Drive
- Take your Expedition for a test drive to ensure the new control arms are functioning properly and there are no abnormal noises or vibrations.
Remember, if you are not comfortable performing these steps on your own, it's best to seek the assistance of a qualified mechanic.
