DIY - RacerX Fabrication Lower Control Arm

[dvsidboy]

RacerX Fabrication sent us a sent of their Lower Control Arms for the NWMotiv Project BRZ, will help us continue to dial in the suspension and just in time for the SCCA Pro Tour in Packwood, WA.

The quality of these parts is amazing and the service has been top notch, for anyone in the market for Lower Control Arms, these should be on your list. The price is not bad either for the set. Head over to http://www.racerxfabrication.com to check them out.

Tools Needed:
14mm Wrench and Socket
17mm Wrench and Socket
19mm Wrench and Socket
22mm Wrench
Crescent Wrench (larger one)

Our install photos will show the rear bumper removed. This is not needed, just made it easier for photos

STEP ONE:
Jack the car and secure on jack stands. The remove the rear wheels.


STEP TWO:
Start to remove the stock Lower Control Arm. All bolts were 17mm, however if you have stock End-Links, this bolt may be 14mm.


We went from the outer bolt and work our way in.


STEP THREE:
Take the stock Lower Control Arm and Line Up the wholes on the new Lower Control Arm, this will make install a bit easier.


Getting the new LCA ready to install, the RacerX Fabrication LCA will come with 2 new 19mm Bolts for the hub and shock, it will also come with a new 17mm for the end link. For the bushing on bushing on the end we just used the stock bolt.


STEP FOUR:
Start to install the new LCA, we started from the inside and worked out way out.


Once all Bolts are in start to tighten them down.




STEP FIVE:
Repeat on the other side of the car.


Once installed you can make adjustments in to the camber using a 22mm wrench, however most people should have this done at an alignment shop. Use your crescent wrench to tighten the ends of the LCA to insure they dont move on their own.


STEP SIX:
Put wheels back on the car and lower back to the ground. Then head to your local alignment shop and get the car aligned, you will want to do this before doing lots of driving as your camber/toe will be not to spec.


Final Photos






I will leave some feedback after the first alignment and after the Pro Tour next weekend.

Thanks for looking and hopefully this will help you with your LCA install, its a pretty easy and quick install.

[cnk]

Nice write up. I like to load the suspension before torquing everything down to spec. The only bolt/nut that you may want to torque to spec while up in the air is the LCA to hub connection as there isn't much room once you put the wheels back on. I usually torque the outer nuts, put the wheels on, lower onto some ramps, bounce the car a few times, and then torque everything down.

[dvsidboy]

Good call. With the rear bumper off, I have lots more room to still get this done (no ramps) or might do the tightening at the alignment shop, very little drive to get there (basically 3 minutes and straight driving).

[bjun]

Do you know the torque specs for the bolts by any chance?

[Turkish]

Originally Posted by bjun

Do you know the torque specs for the bolts by any chance?

This DIY for the lowering springs, towards the end it has the torque spec for the strut to LCA bolt. I know this is not exact, but my working assumption is the other bolts would be the same. Not sure for the bushing to bushing bolt though...

[zc06_kisstherain]

this will be handy when i install coilover +LCA at same time

[Brzzee]

When u planned the swap did u consider adding whiteline's replacement bushing for the spindle side of the LCA? Your thoughts on doing the bushing swap in conjunction with the LCA install please.

[SuperTom]

Thank you for the write up


Will be attempting this install tomorrow along with MeisterR Coilovers. I'm thinking I might be able to semi-preload the suspension by jacking up that side and then bolting everything down witht the tires off.