How to Install Control Arms on a Rolls Royce

When it comes to maintaining the unparalleled luxury and performance of a Rolls Royce, installing new control arms is a task that requires precision and care. The control arms play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth handling and suspension integrity. Whether you're tackling this project yourself or overseeing a professional installation, understanding the process is key.

This article offers a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to install control arms on a Rolls Royce, ensuring optimal results while preserving the brand’s iconic performance.

Understanding the Role of Control Arms in Your Rolls Royce

Control arms are a critical component of your suspension system. These parts connect the vehicle's chassis to the wheel hubs, enabling smooth vertical wheel movement while maintaining alignment and stability. Key benefits of properly functioning control arms include:

• Enhanced Handling: Precise steering response and stability.
• Comfortable Ride: Absorbs road imperfections, reducing vibrations.
• Safety: Maintains proper tire-road contact for better traction.

Over time, wear and tear, road conditions, and heavy usage can lead to deterioration. Replacing worn control arms is essential to maintaining your Rolls Royce’s legendary ride quality.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Tools:

• Floor jack and jack stands
• Socket and wrench set
• Torque wrench
• Ball joint separator
• Rubber mallet
• Pry bar

Materials:

• Compatible replacement control arms (specific to your Rolls Royce model)
• New bolts, bushings, and hardware as required

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Control Arms

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

1. Ensure Safety: Park the car on a flat, stable surface. Engage the parking brake.
2. Lift the Vehicle: Use a floor jack to raise the car and secure it with jack stands. Double-check the stability before proceeding.
3. Remove the Wheels: Loosen the lug nuts, then remove the wheels to access the suspension components.

Step 2: Remove the Old Control Arm

1. Locate the Control Arm: Identify the specific control arm you’ll be replacing (upper, lower, or both).
2. Disconnect the Ball Joint: Use a ball joint separator or rubber mallet to free the ball joint from its mounting.
3. Unbolt the Control Arm: Using a socket and wrench, remove the bolts securing the control arm to the frame and suspension.
4. Remove the Control Arm: Gently pry the control arm loose and slide it out of position.

Step 3: Install the New Control Arm

1. Position the New Control Arm: Align the new control arm with the mounting points on the chassis and wheel hub.
2. Attach the Ball Joint: Secure the ball joint into place using the appropriate hardware. Tighten it enough to hold but avoid over-tightening at this stage.
3. Secure Mounting Bolts: Fasten the control arm to the chassis using the new bolts. Tighten to the torque specifications provided in your Rolls Royce’s service manual.

Step 4: Reassemble and Test

1. Reinstall the Wheels: Place the wheels back onto the hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
2. Lower the Vehicle: Use the jack to carefully lower the car back to the ground.
3. Final Torque Adjustment: Fully tighten the lug nuts and double-check all bolts.
4. Test Drive: Drive the vehicle at low speed on a smooth road to check for alignment and handling issues.

Post-Installation Considerations

Alignment Check

After installing new control arms, a professional alignment is crucial to ensure proper wheel positioning and optimal performance.

Regular Inspections

Periodic checks of the suspension system can prevent future issues and maintain the ride quality expected from a Rolls Royce.

Using Quality Parts

Ensure that you’re using high-quality replacement control arms that match Rolls Royce’s standards. Investing in compatible and durable parts will pay off in the long run.

Installing control arms on a Rolls Royce is a process that demands attention to detail and adherence to high standards. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or an enthusiast, following the outlined steps ensures a smooth installation and preserves your vehicle’s exceptional driving experience.

By replacing worn control arms promptly and using the proper techniques, you can maintain the luxury, safety, and performance that define the Rolls Royce legacy.