OEM 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder Control Arm

2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service and repair the front control arm on 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder?

  A: Begin front control arm service by taking out the front wheel along with the stabilizer bar link by unthreading it from the stabilizer bar. Safeguard the stud using a 5 mm hexagon wrench because the ball joint follows the nut's rotation. The service begins by removing the brake caliper and disc through removal of its two bolts followed by safe caliper maintenance. The ABS speed sensor connector requires removal before proceeding to disconnect the front axle hub by removing its 4 bolts and separating the axle hub assembly and dust cover from each other. The lower suspension arm requires removal from the steering knuckle through disconnection of the cotter pin and nut while using Special Service Tool: 09628-62011 to disconnect the arm. Disassemble the system by taking out the 4 bolts, nut, suspension member brace and front lower suspension arm but never turn the nut. Check for damage in the ball joint boot before testing the ball joint rotation with the stud's 5 cycles of flipping motion. Follow this by measuring the turning torque using a torque wrench set to 0.59 - 3.43 Nm (6 - 35 kgf-cm, 5.2 - 30 inch lbs.). To install the new lower suspension arm it requires use of Special Service Tool: 09710-26011 (09710-05061) along with a wooden block and press to press in a new washer. The lower suspension arm and suspension member brace should be secured temporarily by 4 bolts and nut before stabilizing the suspension before bolting torque tests begin. Use tool 09710-26011 (09710-05061) coupled with a wooden block and Special Service Tool: 09710-26011 to torque bolt A to 73 Nm (745 kgf-cm, 54 ft. lbs.), bolt B to 87 Nm (887 kgf-cm, 64 ft. lbs.) and bolts C to 75 Nm (765 kgf-cm, 55 ft. lbs.). Connect the lower suspension arm to the steering knuckle with the nut before torquing it to 98 Nm (1,000 kgf-cm, 72 ft. lbs.) and follow by adding a new cotter pin that requires further nut tightening to 60 degrees when the holes are not properly aligned. Install the dust cover then the axle hub using 4 bolts that must receive torque of 56 Nm (571 kgf-cm, 41 inch lbs.) before reconnecting the ABS speed sensor and attaching the disc and brake caliper with 2 bolts at 109 Nm (1,112 kgf-cm, 80 ft. lbs.). To complete the procedure install the stabilizer bar link together with 3 retainers and 2 cushions to the lower suspension arm before torquing a nut to 18 Nm (184 kgf-cm, 13 ft. lbs.). Finally connect the stabilizer bar link to the stabilizer bar with the nut torquing to 44 Nm (449 kgf-cm, 32 ft. lbs.) using a 5 mm hexagon wrench if required and finish assembly by installing the front wheel and torquing it to 103 Nm (1,050 kgf-cm, 76 ft. lbs.).