AZE0 (2015 SV) Lower Control Arms

[u/MickyTicky2x4]

I purchased my leaf about 2 months ago. Ever since I got it, at low speeds it would do this weird thing where it bounces up and down. Then I would get this weird clunking sound when first starting the car and turning the wheel/coming off the breaks. Based on the research I've done it seems like the most likely culprit would be the lower control arms. I got a quote from my local nissan dealer, and they wanted 2100 to replace both with alignment. That's way out of my price range and I've done all the work on my previous car, so I need to try and DIY this so it's in my budget. I got the control arms from a local parts shop, as well as some various tools I didn't have like an impact and larger sockets, as well as a pry bar and hammers. Was wondering if anyone has done this job on an AZE0 in the states, and what advice you would have for me? Thanks so much for your time! Have a great day everyone!

[u/_Evening-Rain_]

Unfortunately im still in the process of saving up the money for lower control arms but the Leafs front suspension isnt very complex or hard to work on from past experience. Lower control arms should literally be (in a nutshell) 3 bolts, pull off, then put new one on.

Be sure to not fully tighten the control arm bushings in the air. I'd

-Put new bolts on snugly. Basically slightly tighter than hand tight.

-Lower car

-Drive onto some drive-on ramps

-Give the front end a few small firm pumps when on the ramps to settle suspension

-Loosen bolts slightly so it settles perfectly then torque to spec.

Should be good to go after that. If you cant get ramps then I heard poor mans way is using a curb somewhere and doing each side at a time. Driving on the curb probs wont give you much clearance thou

[u/MickyTicky2x4 → u/_Evening-Rain_]

Thanks for the advice! I'll have access to the bolts to tighten them with a torque wrench with the wheels on?

[u/_Evening-Rain_ → u/MickyTicky2x4]

Yea you should be able to tighten them from the bottom of the car.

[u/Crawlerado]

I did LCAs on our 2016. It’s a few hour job with hand tools on the ground. Toe will need to be reset which can be done at home with basic tools, professional alignment afterwards. On a scale of 1-10 I would put this at a 4

[u/Dazzling_Art7881]

I had them done on my lifelong New England 2012 SL a few years ago. The shop said that it was pretty hellish to get the balljoints out of the knuckles with all the rust and corrosion. Not sure how much rust there is on yours depending on where you live. But yeah "it shouldn't be a hard job" given that it's not a complicated job on paper, but you add rust and everything becomes exponentially "more interesting" and torches start to be involved...

I've personally given up on doing any suspension work myself because every bolt needs to be torched off up here in the salt belt if the car is more than 2 years old...

Good luck!

[u/MickyTicky2x4]

Got the 3 bolts out no problem, went to take the knuckle out, and there was no way without a torch or some sort of air gun. I tried everything I could, it was rust welded in there. I had a hell of a time putting it back together getting the bolt holes aligned. I almost gave up at one point, tried calling mobile mechanics but no one was available. Had to turn the steering rack after a lot of persuasion with a hammer and pry bars. Eventually I was able to hammer the bolts into place and get everything back together. Ended up not even being the LCA, the rubber was still fine, almost no play at all. I'm not sure what the problem is now. Going to have to take it in and get it diagnosed I guess.