How To Install Front Lower Control Arms and Outer Tie Rods 1998 Mazda 626 pretty much sums it up. The reason I’m replacing these parts on this car is because of some collision damage. In particular to the right front wheel.
Inspecting Collision Damage (Suspension): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSWdf_7HcqI
Another shop assessed the damage and recommended these parts. My friend that owns the car brought it to me with the parts and the other shops recommendations.
I did have to fight a bit. Mostly with my torch. Something that I’m used to doing with Mazda’s of this vintage in the rust belt. I hope those extra tips help you with other repair jobs you might have to tackle at some point as the info will apply to many other situations.
How To Use a Torch to Remove Rusty Fasteners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPlndTrPK6A
How To Safely Lift and Support a Vehicle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OyzbGDn6xg
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: http://www.ericthecarguy.com
Camera: Derek Sims
Thanks for watching!
Discussion about this video: https://www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/18-The-EricTheCarGuy-Video-Forum/67065-lower-control-arms-outer-tie-rods-1998-mazda-626
Tools
IR 1/2″ Impact: https://www.jbtoolsales.com/ingersoll-rand-2125qtimax-air-impact-wrench-1-2-drive#oid=1002_1
Rockwell 1/2″ Impact: https://www.rockwelltools.com/20v-brushless-impact-wrench-rk2855k2.html
Dewalt 3/8″ Impact: https://www.jbtoolsales.com/dewalt-dc823ka-3-8-18v-cordless-impact-wrench-kit#oid=1002_1
Pry Bar: https://www.jbtoolsales.com/mayhew-tools-40160-dominator-pry-bar-capped-end-screwdriver-handle-48-long#oid=1002_1
Lady Slipper Set: https://www.jbtoolsales.com/mayhew-tools-60150-lady-foot-pry-bar-set-3-pieces-12-16-21#oid=1002_1
Astro Work Light: https://www.jbtoolsales.com/astro-pneumatic-40sl-rechargeable-cob-led-slim-work-light-410-lumens#oid=1002_1
Ear Plugs: https://www.jbtoolsales.com/sas-safety-6104-foam-ear-plugs-3-pair#oid=1002_1
WD-40 Penetrating Oil: https://www.wd40specialist.com/products/penetrating-oil/
Silicone Spray: https://www.wd40specialist.com/products/silicone-lubricant/
OTC Encore: https://www.jbtoolsales.com/otc-3893-genisys-encore-android-based-scanner-diagnostic-tool#oid=1002_1
More videos with this Mazda
How To Repair a Broken Antenna: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcKwFto9_s0&t=0s
P1131 1998 Mazda 626: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuCYJufwGAA&t=0s
How To Fix Broken Wipers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCdyu8708eE&t=0s
Related videos
Stabilizer Link Replacement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYosZGby0-I
How To Remove Rusted or Damaged Fasteners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqNcBkLvptg
ETCG’s Air System: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Nmz5Pytsi0
Working on ‘Unloved’ Vehicles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI_kHxhoEKU&t=39s
**Answers to your automotive questions found here: http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq
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Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.
Fantastic. Thanks much.
I have around 260,000 miles with original control arms from factory, would you recommend replacing them? My ball joints are bad but with the amount of miles I have, I figured I’d just replace the control arms. What do you suggest?
Amen… 😎😎😎
Looking at you, makes me say: wear a mask. There is plenty of dust în there
Hi Eric I tried everything the bolt in the control arm bushing just want turn what do I do
Only video to clearly provide the info I needed – torque the bolts through the bushings after the wheels are on the ground to avoid putting the bushings in a bind. Perfect instruction!
Soo rusty bolt
I really appreciate that you first try doing something with tools we are more likely to actually have, rather than just grabbing whatever you would normally use. It gives us a better idea of what we can expect. Thank you Eric.
Thanks I enjoyed the video. Just did lower control arm on 06 Mazda 3 and was real pain.
when you realize your dewalt dont have enough balls to do the job so you use heat, shoulda had a milwaukee
i learned i no longer need penetrating oil after owning a milwaukee impact
Reason why i like your videos better then other auto guys. You show real challenges of rusted, frozen nuts, bolts of a job that doesnt go easy like other youtube auto guys show it. Plus no annoying ads interruption. Second is fix it angel, excellent technique, camera work.
I subscribed immediately after that “dropping the nut scene” great vids Eric.. 👍🏻👍🏻🤘🏼
Hello Eric the car guy .
Thank you for showing the problems with rust! Every other video makes this look easy than I am certain it will not be. So much more helpful. Keep on rockin.
After watching tnis i realize the my 2005 impala isnt worth fixing. Its been kind of been limping along since a front end fender bender. No way do i have the tools for this kind of job.
HELP! I'm working on my 2004 Dodge Durango replaced both Front Upper Control Arms and Front Shocks but after I lowered the car I noticed that It sat way lower than it use to. So I put back the old Shocks (thinking I bought the wrong set) but it still sits Low Do you have any clue what could cause that?
Hello Eric, great video. Is there anyway that you can post a video on how to replace a rear lower control arm on a 2006 Honda Civic. I ask because I damaged mine and I don’t know exactly what to do. It’s nowhere to be found on YouTube. That would be great, thank you.
the stabalizer links have a female Allen stud where you can use a allen socket/tool to hold it while you turn the bolt so it wont spin, that usually works without breaking out the torch 😉
11:17 NO NO NO 😂😂😂
Well, eric is the guy
At times I use hand soap (with glycerin) on threads instead of oil to fasten some hard (metal) suspension parts without a castle nut/copter pin setup to ease their assembly & avoid them loosing proper torque as water can flush their slickness. I still use anti-seize where needed though
Great tutorial, I have a mazda626 car.. But it was raised a little just last month. When driving it, the front vibrates. I really need a solution to that please.
When you use heat , use some water on the bolt.this thermique shock works great!
Tighten it and then use a wire brush on the threads, then more penetrating fluid then back it off.
LOL! "I bet it's FINE!" – ErictheCarGuy
Impact is hating life. Lol. True.. Torch with a Mazda is true.
I'm doing the control arms and links in the ground today. Cold ass indiana too. I want a lift. Hopefully Santa brings a me a shop with a lift. Lol
Nice Fox body back there
I have a 626 and I always have trouble with those stabilizer links. Always stuck and that thing with the Allen wrench is rediculous
Came a long way.. Always enjoy your videos. Very helpful to us shadetree mechanics
I have just done this job on my 1999 626. i bought it with one previous owner and just 40000miles on it. But it had lived by the sea so while the engine and box were perfect, the underside looked like it had come from the Titanic!
I had to grind or chissel every single bolt! I was doing it on the road so less access, it was the worst day of my life!!! Utter stress!!!
Hey eric. Check out milwaulkee high torque impact gun. Model 2767-22. It has 1400 ft lbs of nut busting torque.
What years of rust did this car repair?