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Dorman 521-181 Suspension Control Arm and Ball Joint Assembly - Front Left Lower
Reliable Suspension Control Arm and Ball Joint Assembly
The Dorman 521-181 suspension control arm and ball joint assembly is engineered for light suspension grade applications. Designed specifically for Nissan and INFINITI vehicles including the Armada, Pathfinder Armada, QX56, and TITAN, this assembly ensures a precise fit and dependable performance.
- Pre-greased for immediate installation and reduced maintenance
- Includes rubber bushings and mounting hardware for a complete replacement
- Steel control arm with a black finish for durability and corrosion resistance
- Press-in ball joint with pinch stud type, installed and ready to use
- Compatible with Nissan Armada, Pathfinder Armada, QX56, and TITAN models
Durable Construction and Design Features
This suspension control arm and ball joint assembly from Dorman is constructed from forged and cast steel, providing strength and rigidity required for regular driving conditions. The assembly comes pre-greased, eliminating the need for additional lubrication during installation. Rubber bushings are included to absorb vibrations and reduce noise, enhancing ride comfort. The ball joint is press-in mounted with a pinch stud type and a 14 mm thread diameter, ensuring secure attachment and smooth steering response. The control arm measures up to 288.5 mm in width and 237 mm in length, with a single 12.3 mm mounting hole for precise fitment.
Compatible Vehicles and Applications
This Dorman 521-181 control arm and ball joint assembly is compatible with the following vehicles:
- Nissan Armada
- Nissan Pathfinder Armada
- INFINITI QX56
- Nissan TITAN
It is designed for light suspension grade use, making it suitable for daily driving and moderate load conditions.
Common Suspension Issues Addressed
- Worn or damaged control arm bushings causing steering instability
- Loose or failing ball joints leading to uneven tire wear
- Excessive suspension noise or vibration
- Misalignment due to bent or cracked control arms
- Reduced handling performance and vehicle control
Installation Notes and Tips
The Dorman 521-181 assembly comes with all necessary mounting hardware and is pre-greased for convenience. No grease fitting is included, so no additional lubrication is required during installation. The control arm is not adjustable, so alignment should be checked and corrected after installation. Use proper tools to press in the ball joint if removal or replacement is necessary. Always follow vehicle-specific service manual instructions for torque specifications and safety precautions.
Quality Assurance and Warranty
Dorman suspension components are manufactured to meet or exceed OEM standards for fit, form, and function. The 521-181 control arm and ball joint assembly undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure durability and reliability. While specific warranty details may vary, Dorman typically offers a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Refer to Dorman’s official documentation for complete warranty information.
| Brand | Dorman |
| Part Number | 521-181 |
| Adjustable | No |
| Ball Joint Included | Yes |
| Ball Joint Installed | Yes |
| Ball Joint Mounting Type | Press In |
| Ball Joint Stud Type | Pinch |
| Ball Joint Thread Diameter | 14 |
| Bushing Material | Rubber |
| Bushings Included | Yes |
| Control Arm Color | Black |
| Control Arm Material | Steel |
| Control Arm Maximum Length | 237 |
| Control Arm Maximum Width | 288.5 |
| Control Arm Type | Casting/Forged |
| Grade Type | Regular |
| Grease Fitting Included | No |
| Mounting Hardware Included | Yes |
| Mounting Hole Diameter | 12.3 mm |
| Mounting Hole Quantity | 1 |
| Package Contents | Control Arm and Ball Joint Assembly |
| Pre-Greased | Yes |
| Suspension Grade Type | Light |
This part fits 39 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2023 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2022 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2021 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2020 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2019 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2018 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2017 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2015 | Nissan | Armada | Front Left Lower | |
| 2015 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2014 | Nissan | Armada | Front Left Lower | |
| 2014 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2013 | Nissan | Armada | Front Left Lower | |
| 2013 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2012 | Nissan | Armada | Front Left Lower | |
| 2012 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2011 | Nissan | Armada | Front Left Lower | |
| 2011 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2010 | INFINITI | QX56 | Front Left Lower | |
| 2010 | Nissan | Armada | Front Left Lower | |
| 2010 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2009 | INFINITI | QX56 | Front Left Lower | |
| 2009 | Nissan | Armada | Front Left Lower | |
| 2009 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2008 | INFINITI | QX56 | Front Left Lower | |
| 2008 | Nissan | Armada | Front Left Lower | |
| 2008 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2007 | INFINITI | QX56 | Front Left Lower | |
| 2007 | Nissan | Armada | Front Left Lower | |
| 2007 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2006 | INFINITI | QX56 | Front Left Lower | |
| 2006 | Nissan | Armada | Front Left Lower | |
| 2006 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2005 | INFINITI | QX56 | Front Left Lower | |
| 2005 | Nissan | Armada | Front Left Lower | |
| 2005 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower | |
| 2004 | INFINITI | QX56 | Front Left Lower | |
| 2004 | Nissan | Pathfinder Armada | Front Left Lower | |
| 2004 | Nissan | TITAN | Front Left Lower |
* Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
This part directly replaces or is cross-referenced with the following part numbers:
Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.