GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Malibu 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Front Suspension 🢒 Lower Control Arm Replacement

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. Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  4. Remove the ball joint from the knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .

    5. Object Number: 174616 Size: SH
  5. Remove the bolt (2) attaching the control arm (1) to the front suspension crossmember (4).
  6. Remove the bolt (3) from the control arm (1).
  7. Remove the control arm (1) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 174616 Size: SH
  1. Install the control arm (1) into position and install the bolt (2) attaching the control arm (1) to the crossmember (4).

    2. Hand tighten the bolt.

  2. Install the bolt (3) to the control arm (1).

    3. Hand tighten the bolt.

  3. Install the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .
  4. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  5. Slightly raise the vehicle.
  6. Remove the jack stands from under the crossmember.
  7. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  8. With the vehicle at curb height, tighten the control arm attaching bolts.

    9. Tighten

        • Tighten the front suspension crossmember front bolt (3) to 60 N·m (45 lb ft) plus 180 degrees rotation.
        • Tighten the front suspension control arm to body bolt (2) to 100 N·m (74 lb ft) plus 180 degrees rotation.
  9. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications .