Upper control arm - broken bolt

[martin123]

Hello

Done my lower ball joint. Started to do my upper control arm. Started soaking the 2 bolts for removal. Noticed that the bolt at the front of the control arm was broken. How important is this bolt? What does it do? What is it called, if I need to buy a new one? Also do I have to remove the old half still stuck in the SUV?

Thanks

Also about the lower ball joints I did not remove the caliper bracket or dust cover. Did not see the need and the job was still very easy.

 

[4x4firefighter]

one peice or two piece control arm?

 

[martin123]

2 piece control arm. The bolt must be an adjuster. Need the name of it or part # so I can order it. Thanks

 

[gijoecam]

If it's the caster adjuster bolt, you have three options.

1) If you can remove the bolt, it *might* be available separately. I wouldn't hold my breath though...

2) Replace the inner half of that upper control arm. The new arm will come with it.

3) Replace the upper arm assembly with a 1-piece upper control arm. Tougher for an unskilled technician to align, but nothing wrong with it.

 

[martin123]

Thanks. Will see if ford has the bolt. And then try to remove it.

 

[martin123]

Ford no longer carries the bolt. But I can get a caster adjusted kit, that allows 2 degree more adjustment. Would this work without the old bolt. Kit looks like it comes with a bolt.
If it does work, is it something I can adjust myself? Or after changing the lower ball joint, upper control arm with ball joint and this new caster adjuster, would I need to bring it in for a wheel alignment?

Thanks

 

[96eb96]

Ford no longer carries the bolt. But I can get a caster adjusted kit, that allows 2 degree more adjustment. Would this work without the old bolt. Kit looks like it comes with a bolt.
If it does work, is it something I can adjust myself? Or after changing the lower ball joint, upper control arm with ball joint and this new caster adjuster, would I need to bring it in for a wheel alignment?

Thanks

Any change in position of the UCAs require an alignment on an explorer.

 

[martin123]

No way of adjusting the upper control arm yourself? Never seen what machine the dealship uses, is it very complicated to do?

 

[NHale623]

No way of adjusting the upper control arm yourself? Never seen what machine the dealship uses, is it very complicated to do?

Complicated to do what, perform an alignment? Not it isn't complicated, if you have the equipment.

 

[96eb96]

No way of adjusting the upper control arm yourself? Never seen what machine the dealship uses, is it very complicated to do?

not complicated, unless you aren't good at sensing one or two degrees of wheel camber tilt

 

[martin123]

What does it feel like when the control arm is too far forward and of course what does it feel like when it is set to far back?

 

[gijoecam]

It's not something you'll be able to 'feel' aside from a pull in one direction or another.

Setting the alignment isn't something that can be done accurately without the proper alignment equipment. Some people (including a few on this board) live with the 'it's good enough' rule, but that doesn't make it a good alignment. Specs are set by the manufacturer to be a good compromise of ride quality, performance, handling, and tire wear. There are alternate settings that can enhance a few of those features, but for 99.99% of the driving public, the OEM specs will be fine, and are not something you're going to be able to accurately adjust in your garage.

-Joe