OEM 2003 Toyota Echo Control Arm

2003 Toyota Echo Control Arm Parts Q&A

• Q: How to remove and install the control arm on 2003 Toyota Echo?

  A: The process to remove the control arm requires removal of the front wheel plus stabilizer bar link through a combination of retaining the link while unfastening its 2 nuts, 5 retainers, 4 cushions, and link itself. Disconnection of the lower suspension arm from the steering knuckle requires first removing its clip and nut and the use of Special Service Tool: 09628-00011 (09628-00030, 09628-00040, 09628-00050) to complete the procedure. The right-hand arm requires an engine lift through removing the bolt and two nuts from the engine rear mount following the usage of a transmission jack and wooden block to support the engine lift. Do not jack at the oil pan during this process. Detach the lower suspension arm through dividing the 2 bolts with a nut while making sure to not twist the nut. Use the 5th turn of a torque wrench to measure the final torque on the nut which should be between 0.59 - 3.43 Nm (6 - 35 kgf-cm or 5.2 - 30 inch lbs.). Prior to this step, inspect the ball joint boot for damage and evaluate the ball joint movement with 5 back-and-forth motions of the ball joint stud. Whenever possible stabilize the suspension then secure the lower suspension arm with its 2 bolts and nut by torquing Bolt A to 88 Nm (900 kgf-cm, 65 ft. lbs.) and Bolt B to 132 Nm (1,350 kgf-cm, 97 ft. lbs.) while resisting nut rotation. Secure the engine rear mount through its bolt and accompanying 2 nuts before tightening them to 80 Nm (810 kgf-cm, 59 ft. lbs.). The lower suspension arm should be fastened to the steering knuckle using a nut which requires 98 Nm of torque (1,000 kgf-cm / 72 ft. lbs.) before a new clip is installed. Additional torque should be applied to the nut when the clip holes have misalignment at an angle of 60 degrees. The steps for installation begin with linking the stabilizer bar to its 4 cushions and 5 retainers before applying 2 nuts that require torquing to 18 Nm (180 kgf-cm, 13 ft. lbs.). Next, reinstall the front wheel while torquing it to 103 Nm (1,050 kgf-cm, 76 ft. lbs.) followed by a final inspection of the front wheel alignment.