GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2002 🢒 Eldorado 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Rear Suspension 🢒 Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Place Jackstand under front of vehicle to prevent vehicle from falling from hoist.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Support the inboard end of the lower control arm with a transmission jack. Position the brackets on the jack in order to securely hold the control arm.

    4. Object Number: 161647 Size: SH
  4. Remove the stabilizer shaft link lower mounting bolt.

    5. Object Number: 161652 Size: SH
  5. Remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolt.

    6. Object Number: 161658 Size: SH
  6. Remove the lower control arm to knuckle mounting nut and bolt.
  7. Slowly lower the transmission jack in order to relieve the spring pressure.
  8. Pull the lower control arm down in order to remove the spring.
  9. Remove the lower control arm to frame mounting nuts and bolts
  10. Remove the lower control arm from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 161658 Size: SH
  1. Install the lower control arm to the vehicle.
  2. Install the lower control arm to frame bolts and nuts.
  3. Install the spring and insulators.

    4. Important: In order to insure proper orientation of the spring, rest the spring (without insulators) on a flat surface. The spring will stand up straight when resting on its lower end, but will lean or tip when resting on its top end.

  4. Raise the transmission jack under the inboard end of the lower control arm in order to slightly compress the spring.
  5. Install the lower control arm to knuckle mounting bolt and nut.

    6. Object Number: 161652 Size: SH
  6. Install the shock absorber lower mounting bolt and nut.

    7. Object Number: 161647 Size: SH
  7. Install the stabilizer shaft link lower mounting bolt.

    8. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  8. Remove the transmission jack. Place the jack under the outboard end of the lower control arm in order to bring the suspension to the suspension's design position. The inner control arm nuts must be tightened in the design position in order to reduce wind up in the bushings.

    9. Tighten

        • Tighten the lower control arm outer nut to 102 N·m (75 lb ft).
        • Tighten the stabilizer shaft link lower nut to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).
        • Tighten the shock absorber lower nut to 102 N·m (75 lb ft).
        • Tighten the lower control arm inner nuts to 102 N·m (75 lb ft).
  9. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels and Tires.