Hey, I was going to replace my Lower control arm because I recently dinged it, this will be my first time doing something like this so it will be a bit of a challenge, but from what it looks like it's pretty straightforeward bolt on no special tools required, what scares me is that you have to knock out the ball joint from the socket to remove it. isn't this a tad dangerous while the car is on stands? what would be the safest way to perform this, kinda wanna save 150$ from the mechanic and learn my car a tad more, but when I told the GF what the process was she flipped out and almost forbid me from doing it (gee learn not to tell her about fixing cars anymore or else i'll spend my life at the mechanic) any thoughts / imput would be awesome.

also. I shouldn't have to worry about the metal sleeve freezing because I live in California, right?

 

It is simple and straight forward...do it yourself.

 

yeah, pretty easy. the hardest part is the said metal sleve, which, if stuck, is a pita to get off. I used an air chisel, greeny used a dremel (i think) in his write-up. other options include torch and pliers, and any other methods users suggest below.

 

easy on easy off for me.

do it yaself, save a cupl washington's

 

i used a pickle fork (also came in handy for the outer tie rod ends) go to lowes or a small plumbers supply store and purchace about 1.5 feet of metal pipe that will fit your ratchet handle. (work smart not hard)

 

Definitely the pickle fork! Pick one up at your local parts store for $15 or less. Here's one at HarborFreight.com
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=38649

I just did my lower control arm with the torch and pliers/flat screw driver method. Definitely works and really not that hard or messy. Just a few flames and sticky ashes to clean up after. Do it, and use Polyurethane bushings for better performance. You can get them from Courtesy Nissan.

About your girlfriend. Tell her not to worry. You're not applying any major pressure, especially not enough to budge a 3200lb. car off a pair of sturdy jack stands. Just don't stand up and through all your weight against the side of the car. Mine has been up there for 3 months. Time to get it down! Neighbors orders!

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=1759 would this work? 7$ cheaper for a potentially 1 use item over a car lifetime.