GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Lower Control Arm Replacement RWD

Tools Required

J 43631 Ball Joint Separator

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Disconnect the Real Time Damping (RTD) link rod from the sensor (if equipped). Refer to Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Link Assembly Replacement .
  4. Remove the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  5. Remove the front stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
  6. Remove the front coil spring. Refer to Front Coil Springs Replacement .

  7. Object Number: 348372  Size: SH
  8. Remove the lower control arm nuts and the washers (15 Series).
  9. Remove the lower control arm bolts (15 Series).

  10. Object Number: 348379  Size: SH
  11. Remove the lower control arm nuts and washers (25 Series).
  12. Remove the lower control arm bolts (25 Series).
  13. Remove the lower ball joint stud nut.
  14. Disconnect the lower ball joint stud from the steering knuckle using J 43631 .
  15. Remove the lower control arm.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the lower control arm.
  2. Connect the ball joint stud to the steering knuckle.
  3. 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.

  4. Install the lower ball joint stud nut.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the lower ball joint stud nut to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).

  6. Install the front coil spring. Refer to Front Coil Springs Replacement .

  7. Object Number: 348372  Size: SH
  8. Install the lower control arm bolts (15 Series).
  9. Install the lower control arm nuts and the washers (15 Series).
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the lower control arm nuts to 145 N·m (107 lb ft).


    Object Number: 348379  Size: SH
  11. Install the lower control arm bolt (25 Series).
  12. Install the lower control arm nuts and the washers (25 Series).
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the lower control arm nuts to 145 N·m (107 lb ft).

  14. Install the front stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
  15. Install the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  16. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  17. Remove the safety stands.
  18. Lower the vehicle.
  19. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.

Lower Control Arm Replacement 4WD

Tools Required

J 43631 Ball Joint Separator

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Disconnect the Real Time Damping (RTD) link rod from the sensor (if equipped). Refer to Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Link Assembly Replacement .
  4. Remove the stabilizer shaft links from the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
  5. Remove the shock absorber nut and the bolt. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  6. Remove the torsion bars. Refer to Torsion Bar Replacement .
  7. Remove the halfshaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  8. Remove the lower ball joint stud nut.
  9. Disconnect the lower ball joint stud from the steering knuckle using J 43631 .

  10. Object Number: 348376  Size: SH
  11. Remove the lower control arm nuts and the washers (15 Series).
  12. Remove the lower control arm bolts.

  13. Object Number: 348377  Size: SH
  14. Remove the lower control arm nuts and the washers (25 Series).
  15. Remove the lower control arm bolts.
  16. Remove the lower control arm.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the lower control arm.

  2. Object Number: 348376  Size: SH
  3. Install the lower control arm bolts (15 Series).

  4. Object Number: 348377  Size: SH
  5. Install the lower control arm bolts (25 Series).

  6. Object Number: 392158  Size: SH
  7. Install the washers with the shoulder facing the arm.
  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.

  9. Install the nuts.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 145 N·m (107 lb  ft).

  11. Install the halfshaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  12. Connect lower ball joint stud to the steering knuckle.
  13. Install the nut to the ball joint stud.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).

  15. Install the torsion bars. Refer to Torsion Bar Replacement .
  16. Install the shock absorber through nut and bolt. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  17. Install the stabilizer shaft links to the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
  18. Connect the RTD link rod to the sensor (if equipped). Refer to Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Link Assembly Replacement .
  19. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  20. Remove the safety stands.
  21. Lower the vehicle.
  22. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.