I have a Saab 9-3. The lower ball joint is bad on the car on the passenger side. They don't offer to just buy the ball joint to press in to replace. You have to just replace the whole lower control arm. So my question is how easy is it to change a control arm? My plan is to order the part online, then my bro and I will use his tools to change, then bring it to get an alignment afterwards.My Saab passenger control arm?In the world of mechanics, it rates as fairly easy really...
I'm not that familiar with Saab's, but the steps are pretty much standard...jack up the car, take off the wheel, put it on jack stands. If you have strut/coil type suspension, leave it attached. Separate the ball joint first (you'll probably need a puller for that, it is a press actually), from the steering knuckle, loosen and remove the strut rod nut/washer from the control arm end and loosen a couple turns the other frame end up front. Then tackle the pivot bolt and nut on the inner attachment point...
The hardest points will be the ball joint, the strut rod nuts, and the pivot bolt and nut. Have some wd40 for the rust, and some silicone grease or petroleum jelly (at least) handy for reassembly. Be careful, and take your time...My Saab passenger control arm?It's not that hard.My Saab passenger control arm?IT is very easy to replace. Tip (count the threads on the old arm or measure it and adjust the new arm before you install. 0
