M45 Lower Control Arm Replacement

[hawkxr7]

I am getting a lot of vibration when I brake in the steering wheel combined with clunking sounds. The rotors are good with acceptable runout. Took it to my mechanic and he says my lower control arms are bad and he wants to charge me $1400 to replace. How hard is this to do myself?

Thanks,

Hawkxr7

[EdBwoy]

Wow! Is that for both arms with OEM parts and perhaps a happy ending or? I personally don't think it's that difficult.

Not sure if the procedure has been addressed in the FAQ, but if you can't find it there, look up the procedure for a G35/ G37 and it will be dang close.

[Six_Legs]

There better be a happy ending for that price!!

[Ilya]

Wow! Is that for both arms with OEM parts and perhaps a happy ending or? I personally don't think it's that difficult.

Not sure if the procedure has been addressed in the FAQ, but if you can't find it there, look up the procedure for a G35/ G37 and it will be dang close.

I've only covered how to do the links, etc. and others have covered the hub/bearing. But I agree, this is 100% DIY'able if you have even a modicum of mechanical ability and some tools (can always rent tools). That's an insane price for the job...those LCA's better be made with like *insert some science fiction rare metal here*.

[ae7456t]

I did the passenger side lower control arm on an '06 M35X last summer.

As Ilya says, very straightforward...Only major hassles I can remember were the risk of rusted bolts on the front crossmember that needs to be removed and getting the new one physically in where it needed to be...It is a large hunk of metal, and there was a specific angle/rotation to get it out/in.

My part was ~$350, so 2 of them will get you half way to the $1400.

[DPMoran1985]

@ae7456t

Where did you get your control arms from? I got some from RockAuto but the mount for the body that sits behind the wheel was completely wrong and I can't find the right one anywhere I've looked.

[ae7456t]

RockAuto did not work for me, either...Must be fairly specialized parts.

I got mine from http://www.infinitipartsonline.com. I am not sure they are the cheapest, but they are not bad, and I was sure that the part would fit.

[EdBwoy]

For you guys, since it seems common enough, which of the 3 parts are wearing out on yours? I removed mine at 120k and the ball joint and bushings look brand new (they might be, after all)

I did the passenger side lower control arm on an '06 M35X last summer...It is a large hunk of metal, and there was a specific angle/rotation to get it out/in.

You definitely did the more interesting one of the 2 sides, due to the fuel & evap lines in that area.

For posterity, here's a video:

[hawkxr7]

Thanks great video. It was very helpful. Going to work on this in the next few weeks.