How to Replace Upper Control Arms: 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500

Watch this video to learn how to replace the upper control arms on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500.

Replacing Upper Control Arms on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500: What You Need

Ready to perform this DIY replacement job? Remember that all the parts in this guide can be found on CarParts.com. Check out all the products that fit your vehicle right here.

Parts Checklist

• Upper control arms: Driver side and Passenger side
• Penetrating oil
• Silicone grease

Tightening Torques

• Upper control arm holding bolt: 130 Ft-lbs
• Upper control arm ball joint: 40 Ft-lbs Additional 200 degrees

Tools Checklist

Here’s the toolbox we recommend to repair your Dodge RAM 1500: HM85 85 Piece Ratchet and Socket Set

List of tools:

• Measuring tape
• Hydraulic jack
• Jack stands
• Wheel lug wrench
• Ratchet
• 21mm socket
• 13/32” socket
• Hammer
• Wire brush
• Fork
• 18mm wrench X2
• Torque wrench

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle

• Turn off the engine and set the parking brake.

Step 2: Measure Wheel Arch Distance

• Measure the distance between the center of your wheel and the wheel arch before lifting the vehicle.

Step 3: Loosen Front Wheel Stud Bolts

• Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.
• Lift and Secure the Vehicle:
• Lift the front of your vehicle using a jack.
• Place the vehicle on jack stands for safety.

Step 4: Remove Front Wheels

• Remove the wheels to gain complete access to the suspension system.
• Place the removed wheels under the vehicle for added safety.

Step 5: Locate Upper Control Arms

• Identify the upper control arms in the suspension system.

Step 6: Disconnect Upper Control Arm Ball Joint

• Disengage the upper control arm ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
• Release the ball joint with a ratchet and a 21mm socket.
• If the ball joint turns, block rotation with a ratchet and a 13/32” socket.
• Use a hammer to release the ball joint from the knuckle.
• Finish unscrewing the nut and remove the ball joint.

Step 7: Access Silent Block Screws

• Access the two silent block screws of the upper control arm.

Step 8: Prepare Silent Block Bolts

• Brush and spray the retaining bolt nuts with penetrating oil.

Step 9: Unclip ABS Sensor

• Use a fork to unclip the ABS sensor retaining clip on the upper control arm.

Step 10: Unscrew Silent Block Bolts

• Use an 18mm wrench to block rotation of the rear silent block retaining bolt.
• Use a second 18mm wrench to unscrew the bolt.
• Finish unscrewing and remove the bolt.
• Repeat the process for the front bolt and remove it.

Step 11: Remove Upper Control Arm

• Remove the upper control arm.

Step 12: Unscrew Ball Joint Retaining Screw

• Unscrew the ball joint retaining screw and remove the ball joint.

Step 13: Install New Control Arm

• Install the new control arm.
• Reinsert the silent block retaining bolts and tighten the nuts initially by hand.
• Ensure the control arm slides easily in their slots before final tightening.

Step 14: Apply Silicone Grease

• Apply silicone grease to the flat part in contact with the upper control arm ball joint sleeve.

Step 15: Reinsert Ball Joint

• Re-insert the ball joint and tighten it with a torque wrench.

Step 16: Final Tightening

• Tighten the front retaining bolts with the vehicle on the ground.
• Lift the wheel knuckle to the original measurement between the wheel center and the wheel arch.
• Complete the tightening of the holding bolts.
• Remove the jack.

Step 17: Clip ABS Sensor Cable

• Clip the ABS sensor cable back onto its support.

Step 18: Reassemble Wheels

• Put the wheels back on your vehicle.
• Lower the vehicle to the ground.

Step 19: Perform Wheel Alignment

• Since you intervened on the front axle, consider performing a wheel alignment.
• Properly fix the wheels in place.

Compatible Vehicles

The operation and tools displayed in the video should be available on the following vehicles:

• 2009 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2010 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2011 Ram 1500
• 2012 Ram 1500
• 2013 Ram 1500
• 2014 Ram 1500
• 2015 Ram 1500
• 2016 Ram 1500
• 2017 Ram 1500
• 2018 Ram 1500

Important Reminders

Before lifting your vehicle, it is necessary to measure the distance between the center of your wheel and the wheel arch. This will allow you to achieve an optimal tightening of the silentblock equipped elements in their initial position.

In order not to cause damage, it is necessary to tighten the front retaining bolts in the “vehicle on the ground” position.

During this operation, you will be intervening on the front axle of your car, so it is advisable to perform a wheel alignment afterwards.

Disclaimer:

This video is for entertainment purposes only. CarParts.com, Inc. disclaims all damages including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, and/or punitive, for any liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or arising from any information or lack thereof posted in this video. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All mechanical car projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. If you are in doubt, please consult a licensed mechanic in your area.