How to replace upper and lower front arms

G'day, legends! Back at it on the RC Wrecker Blog, your Aussie hub for all things RC Baja that pack a punch like a wallaby in a dust-up. If you've just had a cracker of a crash – you know, the kind where your buggy flips like a gymnast on steroids and leaves the front end looking crook – don't spit the dummy. Replacing the front arms is a straightforward fix that'll have you back bashing in no time. Here at RC Wrecker, we've got a ripper selection of upper and lower front arms in the shop at rcwrecker.com, from durable plastic/alloy upgrades to stock replacements for popular models like the HPI, Roven, Baja 5B or Losi Baja. Whether it's bent lowers or cracked uppers, we've got you sorted with fast shipping across Oz. In this post, we'll guide you through the replacement process step by step, with safety tips, tools needed, and a troubleshooting section if things go pear-shaped. Let's crack on – you'll be a fair dinkum mechanic by the end.

First, a bit of a chinwag on why front arms cop it in crashes. These suspension arms (upper and lower on each side) connect the chassis to the hubs, absorbing shocks and keeping your Baja stable on rough terrain. A big impact can bend or snap 'em, leading to wonky handling or worse. Always inspect the whole front end post-crash – check shocks, hubs, and steering linkages for damage. Safety first, mates: Work in a well-lit garage or outdoors, wear gloves to avoid pinched fingers, and unplug the battery if it's an electric-assisted rig. No need for fancy gear, but grab these tools: hex drivers (3-4mm usually), pliers, a small hammer or mallet, threadlocker, and maybe some grease.

Step 1: Prep and Remove the Wheels Park your Baja on a flat surface and chock the rear wheels to stop it rolling. If it's got power, kill the engine or disconnect the battery. Jack up the front end with a stand or blocks for easy access. Loosen the wheel nuts with your hex driver and pull off the front wheels. This exposes the hubs and arms. Give everything a quick clean with a brush to knock off dirt; mud can hide cracks.

Step 2: Detach the Shocks and Steering The shocks attach to the arms with pins or screws – pop 'em out carefully. Use pliers if the clips are tight, but don't force it. Next, disconnect the steering linkage or tie rods from the hub carriers. These usually clip or screw off. If your model has sway bars, unhook those too. This frees up the arms for removal. Take note of how everything fits – snap a pic on your phone for reassembly. No worries if parts are bent; that's why we're replacing 'em.

Step 3: Remove the Damaged Arms Focus on one side at a time to keep things stable. The lower arm is usually held by hinge pins at the chassis end – these will have e-clips to remove and replace. Use pliers to remove the clips, then tap out the pin with a hammer and punch (or hex driver). For the upper arm, it's similar but often shorter with ball joints or pivots. Wiggle the arm free from the hub – if stuck, a gentle pry with a flathead screwdriver helps. Bin the old arms (or recycle if alloy) and clean the mounting points. If pins are seized from the crash, a bit of WD-40 or lubricant will loosen 'em up.

Step 4: Install the New Arms Grab your used replacement upper and lower front arms from rcwrecker.com – we stock HPI, Losi, Rovan and aftermarket beefed-up versions for extra toughness. Slide the new lower arm into place, aligning the holes, and insert the hinge pin. Secure with fresh e-clips (they're cheap, replace 'em). Do the same for the upper arm, ensuring it pivots smoothly. Apply a dab of threadlocker to any screws to prevent vibes loosening 'em later. Reattach the hub if it came off, then hook up the steering rods and shocks. Torque everything to spec – not too tight, or you'll strip threads.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test Pop the wheels back on and lower the Baja. Check for play in the suspension – it should move freely without binding. Give the front end a wiggle to ensure alignment; if it's off, adjust camber or toe with the turnbuckles. Fire up the engine (or power on) and do a slow test run in a safe spot. Listen for odd noises and watch for wobbles. If all good, you're set for more adventures.

Troubleshooting Guide: Front Arms Replacement Gone Wonky?

1. Pins Won't Budge: Stuck from debris? Soak in penetrating oil overnight, then tap gently. If bent, drill 'em out carefully and replace.
2. Arms Don't Fit: Wrong part? Double-check model compatibility on rcwrecker.com. Some aftermarket arms need minor filing.
3. Suspension Binds: Misaligned pins or over-tightened screws? Loosen and realign. Grease pivots if dry.
4. Handling Feels Off Post-Install: Crash bent the chassis? Inspect for twists. Or, reset suspension settings to factory.
5. Stripped Screws: Use a screw extractor tool, then upgrade to stronger hex heads from our shop.
6. Other Damage Missed: If it still handles like a dog's breakfast, check knuckles or bearings – we stock those too. If you're stumped, hit up our contact page  – we're Aussies, we love a good yarn about RC woes.

There you go, mates – your no-fuss guide to swapping front arms after a prang. It's a top way to learn your Baja inside out and save bucks on shop fees. Head over to rcwrecker.com for those upper and lower front arms, plus tools and spares to keep the fun rolling. Stay safe out there, and happy wrecking – er, racing!