GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Upper Control Arm Replacement AWD

Tools Required

J 36607 Ball Joint Separator

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 160827  Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Support the lower control arm with safety stands.
  3. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

  4. Object Number: 178929  Size: SH
  5. Remove the brake hose bracket retaining nut and bolt.

  6. Object Number: 188289  Size: SH
  7. Remove the speed sensor bracket retaining nut and bolt.

  8. Object Number: 689207  Size: SH
  9. Remove the upper ball joint cotter pin and retaining nut.

  10. Object Number: 130908  Size: SH
  11. Install the J 36607 to the upper ball joint and steering knuckle.
  12. Disconnect the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle using J 36607 .

  13. Object Number: 165101  Size: SH
  14. Remove the upper control arm nuts, the cams, and the mounting bolts.
  15. Remove the upper control arm.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 165101  Size: SH
  1. Install the upper control arm to the frame.
  2. Install the upper control arm mounting bolts and the cams.
  3. • Make sure the bolt heads are opposed inside the bracket.
    • The cam lobes must point down.

    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.

    Important: Tighten the nuts with the control arm at Z height. Refer to Trim Height Inspection in Suspension General Diagnosis.

  4. Install the new upper control arm nuts.
  5. Tighten

        • Tighten the front nut first, then the rear nut.
        • Tighten the upper control arm cam hardware nuts to 140 N·m (103 lb ft).

    Object Number: 689207  Size: SH
  6. Connect the upper ball joint stud to the steering knuckle.
  7. Install the upper ball joint retaining nut.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the upper ball joint retaining nut to 98 N·m (72 lb ft).

  9. Install a new cotter pin. Tighten the nut up to an additional 1/6 amount in order to insert the cotter pin through the upper ball joint stud. Bend the cotter pin ends flat against the nut.

  10. Object Number: 178929  Size: SH
  11. Install the brake hose bracket retaining nut and bolt.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the brake hose bracket retaining nut to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).


    Object Number: 188289  Size: SH
  13. Install the speed sensor bracket retaining nut and bolt.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the speed sensor bracket retaining nut to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).

  15. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  16. Remove the safety stand from the lower control arm.
  17. Lower the vehicle.
  18. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.

Upper Control Arm Replacement RWD

Tools Required

J 23742 Ball Joint Separator

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 160827  Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Caution: Floor jack must remain under the lower control arm during removal and installation to retain the lower control arm in position. Failure to do so could result in personal injury.

  3. Support the lower control arm with safety stands.
  4. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  5. Remove the wheel speed sensor harness bracket retaining bolt and nut.

  6. Object Number: 1949  Size: SH
  7. Remove the upper control arm cotter pin and the retaining.

  8. Object Number: 130902  Size: SH
  9. Disconnect the steering knuckle from the upper ball joint using J 23742 .
  10. Remove the upper control arm from the steering knuckle.
  11. Support the steering knuckle in order to prevent the knuckle weight from damaging the brake hose.

  12. Object Number: 1859  Size: SH

    Important: Note the location of the alignment shims. Replace the shims in the same location from which these were removed.

  13. Remove the upper control arm mounting nuts and the shims.
  14. Remove the upper control arm mounting bolts. Lift the upper control arm in order to gain access to the bolts.
  15. Remove the upper control arm.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1859  Size: SH
  1. Install the upper control arm to the frame. Line up the holes in the shaft with the holes in the frame.
  2. 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.

    Important: Mount the shims exactly as they were when removed.

  3. Install the upper control arm shims, the mounting bolts, and the mounting nuts. Lift the upper control in order to gain access.
  4. Tighten

    1. Tighten the upper control arm mounting nut on the thinner shim pack first.
    2. Tighten the upper control arm mounting nuts to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

    Object Number: 1949  Size: SH
  5. Connect the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle. Make sure the ball joint is fully seated into the steering knuckle.
  6. Install the upper control arm retaining nut.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the upper control arm retaining nut to 83 N·m (61 lb ft).

  8. Install a new cotter pin. Tighten the nut up to an additional 1/6 amount in order to insert the cotter pin through the upper ball joint stud. Bend the cotter pin ends flat against the nut.
  9. Install the wheel speed sensor harness bracket retaining nut and bolt.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the wheel speed sensor harness bracket retaining nut to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).

  11. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  12. Remove the safety stand from the lower control arm.
  13. Lower the vehicle.
  14. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Suspension General Diagnosis.