Rev Up Your Ride: Essential Tips for Changing Control Arms on Your 2007 Nissan Murano

If you’re experiencing a clunking noise when you drive over bumps, your 2007 Nissan Murano might be telling you it’s time for new control arms. Control arms are essential components of your suspension system, connecting the wheels to the chassis and keeping your car stable. This guide will walk you through the process of how to change control arms 2007 Nissan Murano, saving you money and giving you a deeper understanding of your vehicle’s mechanics.

Why Do Control Arms Need Replacing?

Control arms are made of metal and are subject to wear and tear over time. Here are some common reasons why your 2007 Nissan Murano‘s control arms might need replacing:

• Wear and Tear: As your car ages, the bushings and ball joints within the control arms can become worn, leading to loose connections and a compromised suspension.
• Corrosion: Rust and corrosion can weaken the metal of the control arms, making them prone to failure.
• Impact Damage: A significant impact, such as hitting a pothole or curb, can damage the control arms and necessitate replacement.
• Clunking Noise: A clunking sound when driving over bumps is a telltale sign of worn control arms.
• Uneven Tire Wear: Worn control arms can cause uneven tire wear, which can impact your vehicle’s handling and safety.

Tools You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following tools:

• Jack and Jack Stands: For safely lifting your vehicle.
• Lug Wrench: To remove the wheel.
• Torque Wrench: For tightening bolts to the correct specifications.
• Breaker Bar: To loosen stubborn bolts.
• Socket Set: To remove and install bolts.
• Hammer: For tapping on components.
• Pry Bar: For separating parts.
• Penetrating Fluid: To loosen rusted bolts.
• New Control Arms: Ensure you purchase the correct control arms for your 2007 Nissan Murano.
• Grease: For lubricating ball joints.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Control Arms

Safety First:

• Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves.

1. Raise the Vehicle

• Use the jack to raise the front of the vehicle until the front tires are off the ground.
• Place jack stands securely under the vehicle’s frame, ensuring they are stable and properly positioned.

2. Remove the Wheel

• Loosen the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
• Remove the wheel completely.

3. Disconnect the Sway Bar Link

• Locate the sway bar link, which connects the control arm to the sway bar.
• Use a wrench to loosen the nut securing the link.
• Once the nut is loose, use a pry bar to separate the link from the control arm.

4. Disconnect the Tie Rod End

• Locate the tie rod end, which connects the control arm to the steering knuckle.
• Use a wrench to loosen the nut securing the tie rod end.
• Use a hammer or pry bar to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.

5. Remove the Control Arm Bolts

• Locate the bolts that attach the control arm to the frame.
• Use a socket wrench and breaker bar to loosen and remove the bolts.
• If the bolts are rusted, apply penetrating fluid and allow it to soak for a few minutes before attempting to remove them.

6. Remove the Old Control Arm

• Once the bolts are removed, gently pry the old control arm away from the frame.
• Be careful not to damage any surrounding components.

7. Install the New Control Arm

• Position the new control arm in place, ensuring it aligns properly with the frame.
• Install the bolts and tighten them to the specified torque.
• Reconnect the tie rod end and sway bar link, tightening the nuts to the correct specifications.

8. Lower the Vehicle

• Carefully lower the vehicle using the jack.
• Remove the jack stands once the vehicle is safely on the ground.

9. Reinstall the Wheel

• Install the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.

10. Test Drive

• Start the vehicle and test drive it to ensure the control arms are properly installed and the suspension is functioning correctly.

Important Considerations

• Torque Specifications: Always refer to your vehicle’s repair manual for the correct torque specifications for all bolts. Tightening bolts too tightly can damage the components, while tightening them too loosely can lead to failure.
• Ball Joint Lubrication: Apply grease to the ball joints on the new control arms before installing them. This will help to prevent premature wear and tear.
• Professional Assistance: If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it is recommended to seek assistance from a qualified mechanic.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Repair

Replacing control arms on your 2007 Nissan Murano is a relatively straightforward repair, but it requires careful attention to detail and the right tools. By following these steps, you can restore your vehicle’s stability and handling, ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

Remember, regular maintenance is key to keeping your vehicle in top condition. By addressing potential issues early on, you can prevent more serious problems and costly repairs down the road.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: How often should I replace my control arms?

A: There’s no set schedule for replacing control arms. It depends on driving conditions, maintenance habits, and the overall age of the vehicle. However, inspecting them every 50,000 miles or so is a good practice.

Q: Can I drive with worn control arms?

A: It’s not recommended to drive with worn control arms. They can compromise your vehicle’s stability and handling, putting you and other drivers at risk.

Q: How can I tell if my control arms are worn?

A: Look for excessive play in the ball joints, loose connections, and signs of corrosion. Listen for clunking noises when driving over bumps.

Q: Can I replace just one control arm?

A: It’s best to replace both control arms on the same axle at the same time. This ensures that the suspension is balanced and that both arms wear evenly.