2026-08-31

Control Arm - Upper - Front - LH (Remove and Replace)

Correction code 31014002 0.72 NOTE: Unless otherwise explicitly stated in the procedure, the correction code and its associated FRT reflect all of the work required to perform this procedure, including the linked procedures. Do not stack correction codes unless explicitly told to do so. NOTE: See Flat Rate Times to learn more about FRTs and how they are created. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure wearing proper PPE when performing the below procedure. NOTE: See for safe and healthy working practices.

  • 2026-02-27: Deleted illustrations on headlight adjustment, added photo showing the sensor arm being zip-tied to the ride height sensor bracket.
  • 2025-12-29: Clarified part numbers with which to use 145399-E1-A spacer tool.
  • 2025-12-09: Added part numbers 1188321-XX-X and 1188326-XX-X.
  • 2023-09-21: Added tool information on FUCA tool spacer (1450399-E1-A) for later part revisions of the FUCA (1288321-XX-X and 1288326-XX-X).
Equipment:
  • 1450399-00-A Tool, FUCA Ride Height, Model 3
  • 1450399-E1-A FUCA Tool Spacer (use in conjunction with 1450399-00-A for later revisions of the FUCA, part numbers 1288321-XX-X, 1288326-XX-X, 1188321-XX-X and 1188326-XX-X).
Warning
The video(s) included in this procedure are meant as an overview for supplemental purposes only. Follow all of the steps listed in the procedure to avoid damage to components and/or personal injury.

Torque Specifications

Table 1. Torque Specifications: Control Arm - Upper - Front - LH (Remove and Replace)
Description Torque Value Recommended Tools Reuse/Replace Notes
Smaller bolts that attach the LH front upper control arm mount to the body
35 Nm (25.8 lbs-ft)
  • 13 mm socket
Reuse
Larger bolts that attach the LH front upper control arm mount to the body
62 Nm (45.7 lbs-ft)
  • 15 mm socket
Reuse
Bolt that attaches the LH front ride height sensor arm to the upper control arm
8 Nm (5.9 lbs-ft)
  • 10 mm socket
Reuse
Nyloc nut that attaches the front stabar link to the front strut
98 Nm (72.3 lbs-ft)
  • 18 mm deep socket
Replace (1111543-00-A-)
Nuts that attach the LH front upper control arm to the to knuckle
56 Nm (41.3 lbs-ft)
  • 15 mm socket
  • Torx T50 socket
Replace
Bolt and nut that attach the LH strut to the lower fore link
106 Nm (78.2 lbs-ft)
  • 21 mm 12pt combination wrench
  • Ratchet/torque wrench
Reuse
Bolts securing LH upper control arm to FUCA mount
50 Nm (36.9 lbs-ft)
  • 13 mm socket
Reuse

Remove

  1. Inspect the vehicle for abnormal tire wear that might indicate the need for a wheel alignment. Note any findings.
  2. Open the LH front door and lower the LH front window.
  3. Raise and support the vehicle. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Post Lift.
  4. Remove the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  5. Remove the cabin intake duct. See Duct - Upper - Cabin Intake (Remove and Replace).
  6. Remove the hood latch cover. See Cover - Hood Latch (Remove and Replace).
  7. Remove the underhood storage unit. See #GUID-4FBD5199-27DF-4D9D-A193-1901CE127862.
  8. Release the rear clip that attaches the LH shock tower cover to the vehicle, and then swivel the shock tower cover aside.
  9. Remove the LH clip that attaches the cowl screen panel to the vehicle.
    Figure 1. Model 3 shown; Model Y similar
  10. Lift the cowl screen panel and mark the positions of the LH front upper control arm mount bolts (x4).
    Figure 2. Model 3 shown; Model Y similar
  11. Raise the vehicle to a comfortable working height.
  12. Remove the LH front wheel. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install).
  13. Release the clips that attach the wheel speed sensor harness to the LH front upper control arm, and then set the harness aside.
    Figure 3. Model 3 shown
    Figure 4. Model Y shown
  14. If the vehicle is equipped with a ride height sensor:
    1. Disconnect the LH front ride height sensor connector.
      Figure 5. Model 3 shown; Model Y similar
    2. Remove the bolt that attaches the LH front ride height sensor arm to the upper control arm, and then remove the sensor arm from the upper control arm.
      Note
      To help with reinstallation, note the orientation of the sensor arm relative to the upper control arm.
      Tip
      Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
      • 12 mm combination wrench
      • 10 mm socket
      Figure 6. Model 3 shown; Model Y similar
  15. Remove and discard the nut that attaches the stabilizer bar link to the LH front spring and damper assembly, and then move the link aside.
    Note
    Counter-hold the ball joint while loosening the nut.
    Tip
    If needed, use a pry bar to release the end link.
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 18 mm combination wrench
    • Torx T40 socket
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    Figure 7. Model 3 shown; Model Y similar
  16. Remove the bolt and nut that attach the upper control arm to the knuckle, and then discard the nut.
    Note
    Compress the upper control arm ball joint downwards to help release the bolt.
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 15 mm combination wrench
    • Torx T50 socket
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    Figure 8. Model 3 shown; Model Y similar
  17. Remove the bolt and nut that attach the LH strut to the lower fore link.
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 21 mm 12pt combination wrench
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
  18. Remove the smaller bolts that attach the spring and damper assembly to the shock tower.
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    Figure 9. Model 3 shown; Model Y similar
  19. Remove the larger bolts that attach the spring and damper assembly to the shock tower.
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 15 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    Figure 10. Model 3 shown; Model Y similar
  20. Pull the LH front spring and damper assembly outboard so that the front upper control arm mount clears the wheel arch liner.
    Tip
    Hold the front upper control arm mount and use thumbs to push the wheel arch liner past the mount.
    Warning
    The video(s) included in this procedure are meant as an overview for supplemental purposes only. Follow all of the steps listed in the procedure to avoid damage to components and/or personal injury.
    Figure 11. Model 3 shown; Model Y similar
    Figure 12. Model 3 shown; Model Y similar
  21. Remove the bolts that attach the LH front upper control arm to the front upper control arm mount.
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm deep socket
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
  22. Remove the LH front upper control arm from the front upper control arm mount.

Install

  1. Position the LH front upper control arm into the front upper control arm mount, and then install and hand-tighten the bolts (x2) that attach the control arm to the mount.
  2. Install the FUCA ride height tool onto the front upper control arm mount at the rear outer mounting hole.
    Note
    For FUCA part revisions 1288321-XX-X and 1288326-XX-X, use 1450399-E1-A (FUCA Tool Spacer) in conjunction with 1450399-00-A (Tool, FUCA Ride Height, Model 3).
    Note
    If an updated FUCA ride height tool for a newer FUCA is not available, use two pocket rulers to set the ride height:
    1. Lay a pocket ruler across the upper flat surface of the front upper control arm.
    2. Use a second pocket ruler to measure 60 mm between the front upper control arm mount threaded hole and the first pocket ruler.
  3. Hold the front upper control arm against the plate of the FUCA ride height tool and tighten the bolts (x2) that attach the LH front upper control arm to the front upper control arm mount.
    50 Nm (36.9 lbs-ft)
    CAUTION
    To prevent personal injury when torquing bolts and simultaneously holding components in position, pay extra attention to the angle and trajectory of the tool used.
    Note
    After tightening, check the measurement again and adjust if necessary.
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm deep socket
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
  4. Remove the FUCA ride height tool from the front upper control arm mount.
  5. Move the LH coil spring module and front upper control arm mount assembly into position, making sure the control arm mount bolt holes are aligned with the bolt holes on the body.
    Figure 13. Model 3 shown; Model Y similar. Wheel arch liner removed for clarity.
  6. Lower the vehicle so that the shock tower is accessible. If the lift cannot be locked in that position, set the lift to its lowest lockable position and use a step stool to gain access to the shock tower.
  7. Install the larger bolts that attach the spring and damper assembly to the shock tower.
    62 Nm (45.7 lbs-ft)
    Note
    Line up the bolts with the paint marks made during removal.
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 15 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    • Step stool
    Figure 14. Model 3 shown; Model Y similar
  8. Install the smaller bolts that attach the spring and damper assembly to the shock tower.
    35 Nm (25.8 lbs-ft)
    Note
    Line up the bolts with the paint marks made during removal.
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 13 mm socket
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    • Step stool
    Figure 15. Model 3 shown; Model Y similar
  9. Hand-tighten the bolt and nut that attach the LH strut to the lower fore link.
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 21 mm 12pt combination wrench
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
  10. Install the bolt and new nut that attach the upper control arm to the knuckle.
    56 Nm (41.3 lbs-ft)
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 15 mm combination wrench
    • Torx T50 socket
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    Figure 16. Model 3 shown; Model Y similar
  11. Install a new nut that attaches the stabilizer bar link to the LH front spring and damper assembly.
    98 Nm (72.3 lbs-ft)
    Note
    Counter-hold the ball joint while torquing the nut.
    Tip
    If needed, use a pry bar to help position the end link.
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Torx T40 socket
    • 18 mm combination wrench
    • 6 in extension
    • Cordless Ratchet/Impact Driver
    Figure 17. Model 3 shown; Model Y similar
  12. Depending on the vehicle's configuration, choose one of the following:
    • If the vehicle is not equipped with a ride height sensor, go to step 18.
    • If the vehicle is equipped with a ride height sensor, and the new upper control arm has a mount for the ride height sensor, go to step 13.
    • If the vehicle is equipped with a ride height sensor, but the new upper control arm does not have a mount for the ride height sensor, go to step 16.
  13. Install the ride height sensor arm onto the upper control arm, and then install the bolt that attaches the sensor arm to the upper control arm.
    8 Nm (5.9 lbs-ft)
    Note
    Hold the ball stud in place with a wrench.
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 12 mm combination wrench
    • 10 mm socket
    Figure 18. Model 3 shown; Model Y similar
  14. Connect the LH front ride height sensor connector.
    Figure 19. Model 3 shown; Model Y similar
  15. Go to step 18.
  16. Remove the extended ride height sensor arm from the ride height sensor, and then discard the extended arm.
  17. Fold the ride height sensor arm backwards, and then use a zip tie to fasten the sensor arm to the ride height sensor.
  18. Install the clips that attach the wheel speed sensor harness to the LH front upper control arm.
    Figure 20. Model 3 shown
    Figure 21. Model Y shown
  19. Raise the vehicle partially and lower lift onto locks.
  20. Remove the bolt that attaches the LH brake rotor to the knuckle.
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Flex head ratchet/flex head torque wrench
    • 10 mm socket
  21. Install the hub jack adapter onto the LH rear hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
  22. Use an underhoist stand to support the hub jack adapter.
  23. Measure the distance between the bottom of the fender to the center of the axle to make sure that the rear suspension is set to ride height: The distance should measure 423 mm.
  24. Toque the bolt and nut that attach the LH strut to the lower fore link and mark the bolt with a paint pen.
    106 Nm (78.2 lbs-ft)
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 21 mm 12pt combination wrench
    • Ratchet/torque wrench
  25. Remove the underhoist stand from underneath the LH rear suspension.
  26. Install the bolt that attaches the LH front brake rotor to the knuckle.
    5 Nm (3.7 lbs-ft)
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 10 mm socket
    • 2 in extension
  27. Install the hub jack adapter onto the LH front hub.
  28. Position the LH front wheel on the vehicle and hand-tighten the lug nuts (x5) that attach the wheel to the vehicle.
  29. Lower the vehicle until the tires are touching the ground. See Raise Vehicle - 2 Post Lift.
  30. Torque the LH front wheel lug nuts. See Wheel Assembly (Remove and Install).
  31. Install the wheel cap, if equipped. See #GUID-9A389419-2644-4B24-AEFE-7E1ABEC9EFB3.
  32. Install the LH clip that attaches the cowl screen panel to the vehicle.
    Figure 22. Model 3 shown
  33. Move the LH shock tower cover back into position, and then install the rear clip that attaches the cover to the vehicle.
    Figure 23. Model 3 shown
  34. Install the underhood storage unit. See #GUID-4FBD5199-27DF-4D9D-A193-1901CE127862.
  35. Install the hood latch cover. See Cover - Hood Latch (Remove and Replace).
  36. Install the cabin intake duct. See Duct - Upper - Cabin Intake (Remove and Replace).
  37. Install the rear underhood apron. See Underhood Apron - Rear (Remove and Replace).
  38. Close the hood.
  39. Refer to the Alignment Requirement tables to determine whether an EPAS alignment check (EC) or four wheel alignment check (AC) is necessary. If performed, add the alignment check/adjust correction code as a separate activity to the SV. See .
  40. Only if the ride height sensor has been disconnected as instructed in step 16, perform the following steps:
  41. Enter Service Mode Plus. See .
  42. On the touchscreen, under Vehicle Info, touch Low Voltage > Exterior Lighting > Headlamp Aiming > Convert to Virtual Pitch Sensor, tap Run, and allow the routine to complete.
    • If the Leveling System was already set to use the Virtual Pitch Sensor, as a result of a rear height sensor being disabled in an earlier stage, do not adjust the headlights
    • After converting the Leveling System to Virtual Pitch Sensor, adjust the headlights in the next step.
  43. Adjust the headlights: