Lower ball joint removal

[lynnestevens]

hi guys...on my 03 megane....can anyone tell me how to remove the nearside front lower arm that has the ball joint...i have a new arm...and have worked out how to release the ball joint clamp,and the rear bush with vertical bolt.... but cant see how to get front bush with horizontal bolt undone....i need your help please.... xx

[martino]

Hello,
The front bush is on a through bolt and nut. Remove the sump cover, tie up the radiator and remove the radiator sub frame. You need a torx socket and an open ended
spanner to free the long bolt then withdraw forwards. When you replace the radiator sub frame ensure a 10mm gap to the chassis as you tighten it all up.
As you say the outer ball joint is clearer with just a pinch bolt. Remove the bolt fully and carefully open the joint with a cold chisel and plenty of WD40 then lever the arm down.
Good Luck,
Martino.

[lynnestevens]

Hey Martino thanks for getting back to me...im kinda getting what you mean...the radiator frame !!! there is a torx bolt in front of the draw thru bolt on arm...is this the bolt u refer too to remove radiator frame ?xx

[martino]

Hello,
The long through bolt which goes through the front bush has a torx type head. You can see the head but the bolt can't be withdrawn
unless the radiator sub frame is removed. The sub frame comes out quite easily, four hex bolts I seem to remember, just
remember to tie up the radiator to stop it dropping.
Good Luck,
Martino.