Front Control Arm Installation

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Tutorials

This tutorial will show you how to install front upper control arms (a-arms, camber arms, etc..) onto your 350Z. The process is fairly straight forward and there are different approaches that can be taken. If you have some basic hand tools and know your way around the garage you should have no problem accomplishing this install.

Stillen 350z front A-Arms

1 Also See
2 Installation
3 Factory Service Manual

Also See

Installation

Photo 1

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 1

Photo 3

Photo 1

Photo 4

Raise the vehicle and put on jack stands (a lift would be preferable).
Remove front wheels.
Before raising the vehicle too high remove the six bolts and two nuts securing the strut tower brace and remove brace completely from car. Next remove the six nuts attaching the upper part of the strut to the car. ( DO NOT REMOVE CENTER NUT ON STRUTS)
Inside wheel well remove nut from sway bar connecting rod and detach rod. (PHOTO 1)
Remove the nut holding ball joint on the A-Arm to the Knuckle and detach A-Arm.
Push down on the Knuckle and force the upper part of the strut out of itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s mounting holes and pull outward, this will allow access to the A-Arm mounting bolts
Remove bolts attaching A-Arm to vehicle (PHOTO 2).
Begin by setting the length of the adjustable upper A-Arm to the same length as the stock A-Arm (PHOTO 3). You can then have the vehicle aligned properly after you have completed the installation. Torque the four M10-1.50 lock down bolts to 32-34 Ft-Lbs.
Install the new A-Arm on the vehicle using the bolts removed previously. Torque bolts to 37-44 Ft-lbs.
Pushing down on the knuckle, force upper part of strut into itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s mounting holes
Attach A-Arm ball joint to Knuckle using the provided 1/2-13 locking flange nut. Torque to 65-69Ft-lbs. Make sure to hold bolt to keep it from turning and taper seat from unscrewing while tightening lock nut. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. (PHOTO 4)
Re-connect the upper link to the sway bar and torque nut to 59-70 Ft-lbs.
Repeat on opposite side.