to replace front lower control arms
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Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
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2007 GL450
to replace front lower control arms
2007 GL450 (111k miles), driver side front lower control arm's rear mount bushing got cracks on it (making noise going over speed bumps), will probably replace both lower control arms together.
The upper arms seems fine, and the struts were replaced 11k miles ago at 100k miles.
While replacing those two CAs, seems its a good opportunity to get the following parts replaced all together:
both front brake rotors (noticeable lips on them)
both front lower ball joints (original never replaced)
stabilizer bar bushings (4) and links (2) (original never replaced)
various nuts as listed in FCP's front suspension service kit.
wonder if there is any other parts that might need attention while replacing the CA's?
thanks a lot,
The upper arms seems fine, and the struts were replaced 11k miles ago at 100k miles.
While replacing those two CAs, seems its a good opportunity to get the following parts replaced all together:
both front brake rotors (noticeable lips on them)
both front lower ball joints (original never replaced)
stabilizer bar bushings (4) and links (2) (original never replaced)
various nuts as listed in FCP's front suspension service kit.
wonder if there is any other parts that might need attention while replacing the CA's?
thanks a lot,
Last edited by texas008; Jan 25, 2023 at 12:48 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: CA
11 ML550, 95 Supra TT, 14 Audi S4
The tie rods are worth checking too. Mine were ok with about double the mileage, but while you're in there..... I don't think replacing the ball joints is optional if you're replacing the arms. The stock ones are pressed in and the replacement ball joints add a lock ring. If you don't have a tool you can use to tighten it (it has notches on it for a tool to grab), it might be worth buying the socket FCP Euro sells for that purpose.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 332
Likes: 70
2007 GL450
The tie rods are worth checking too. Mine were ok with about double the mileage, but while you're in there..... I don't think replacing the ball joints is optional if you're replacing the arms. The stock ones are pressed in and the replacement ball joints add a lock ring. If you don't have a tool you can use to tighten it (it has notches on it for a tool to grab), it might be worth buying the socket FCP Euro sells for that purpose.
Yes the tool is called Mercedes Ball Joint Socket 4-Lug CTA Manufacturing 1082.
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Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 136
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GL320 2007
Change the air filter to the airmatic compressor. You need to take the wheel liner off to replace it, so may as well do it.
I pretty much did the same you did and did not replace any of the nuts. They are lock nuts that should be replaced, but most of them have pretty high tightening torques. I haven't detected any movement in them. I'd only replace them if I wasn't going to look under my car again.
Lower ball joints are optional. They are pressed into the knuckle. You need to remove the axle from the knuckle to get them out. I had issues with axle in the knuckle, so couldn't replace one side. However I'd replace them, as your 90% there.
I'd regret not doing the tie rods. It would have been bugger all extra work at the time. They didn't need changing, but then I'd know I'd be good pretty much for my ownership life.
I pretty much did the same you did and did not replace any of the nuts. They are lock nuts that should be replaced, but most of them have pretty high tightening torques. I haven't detected any movement in them. I'd only replace them if I wasn't going to look under my car again.
Lower ball joints are optional. They are pressed into the knuckle. You need to remove the axle from the knuckle to get them out. I had issues with axle in the knuckle, so couldn't replace one side. However I'd replace them, as your 90% there.
I'd regret not doing the tie rods. It would have been bugger all extra work at the time. They didn't need changing, but then I'd know I'd be good pretty much for my ownership life.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 332
Likes: 70
2007 GL450
My mobile mechanic told me that there are cracks in the rear mount of driver side front lower control arm. He checked all the control arms while he was replacing the starter motor. I did not get under the SUV so i don't have a photo of the crack.
Just received the lower control arms, seems that they are made of cast iron and they are massive and so heavy, maybe 40lb each.
Just received the lower control arms, seems that they are made of cast iron and they are massive and so heavy, maybe 40lb each.
