GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Blazer - 4WD - RHD 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Suspension General Diagnosis 🢒 Upper Control Arm Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 160827 Size: SH
  1. Raise the front of the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
    2. • Support the lower control arm with floor stand.
    • Place floor stands under the lower control arms as far outboard as possible (between spring seats and lower ball joint) to maintain maxium leverage.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .

    4. Object Number: 1949 Size: SH
  4. Remove the cotter pin from the upper ball joint stud.
  5. Remove the upper ball joint retaining nut.
  6. Using a pry bar, placed under the upper control arm and on top of the frame, pry upward.
  7. With the aid of a helper, carefully hammer on the steering knuckle in the area of the upper ball joint stud in order to release the stud from the steering knuckle.

    8. Object Number: 1980 Size: SH
  8. Remove the upper control arm retaining nuts.
  9. Remove the upper control arm outer cams.
  10. Remove the upper control arm bolts.
  11. Remove the upper control arm inner cams.
  12. Remove the upper control arm from the frame.

    13. Object Number: 1984 Size: SH
  13. Remove the upper control arm bumper nut.
  14. Remove the upper control arm bumper from the upper control arm.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 1984 Size: SH
  1. Install the upper control arm bumper to the upper control arm.

    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.

  2. Install the upper control arm bumper retaining nut.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the upper control arm bumper retaining nut to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1985 Size: SH
  3. Install the upper control arm to the frame.
  4. Install the upper control arm inner cams to the upper control arm retaining bolts.

    5. Important: The bolt heads must be opposed inside the bracket.

  5. Install the upper control arm retaining bolts to the upper control arm.
  6. Install the upper control arm outer cams.
  7. Install the upper control arm retaining nuts.

    8. Tighten

        • Tighten the nuts with the front suspension loaded.
        • Tighten the upper control arm retaining nuts to 115 N·m (85 lb ft).

    Object Number: 1986 Size: SH
  8. Install the upper ball joint stud to the steering knuckle.
  9. Install the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle retaining nut.

    10. Tighten
    Tighten the upper ball to steering knuckle retaining nut to 83 N·m (61 lb ft).

  10. Install a new cotter to the upper ball joint stud. Bend the pin ends against the nut flats.
  11. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.