How to Replace the Upper Steering Arm and the Wishbone

This tutorial demonstrates the disassembly and replacement of the upper front control arm on a Mazda 6 (the same procedure applies to the Ford Fusion saloon). After lifting the car on a jack and removing the wheel corresponding to the arm to be replaced, slightly decompress the suspension load with a decompression jack: this will aid the process.

Take a 17 mm ratchet spanner with an extension and undo the spindle bolt at the ball joint. Use a few taps of a hammer to assist with the operation.

Compress the suspension load slightly and, using a 22 mm spanner, undo the two long bolts securing the upper arm. Take the new arm and position it as the previous one, then secure it with the two bolts. The following images also show the most common mistakes in the arm replacement procedure and the correct tools and methodology.

Next, replace the rear wishbone. Remove the plastic cover and, using a 20 mm spanner, disassemble the steering shaft, then remove its rubber seal.

Move to the underside of the vehicle and remove the two saddle-shaped supports with a ratchet spanner; disassemble the wishbones and fit new ones. Reassemble the steering shaft as before.

Tighten each bush and bolt securely and carefully remove the jack.