GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2004 🢒 Malibu 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 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 wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. If equipped with a LX9 engine, perform one of the following steps:
    4. • If removing the left lower control arm, remove the side transmission mount. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement - Side in Automatic Transaxle - 4T40-E/4T45-E.
    • If removing the right lower control arm, remove the engine mount. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.5L (LX9).

    Object Number: 1229964 Size: SH
  4. Remove the lower control arm front bushing to frame bolt.
  5. Remove the lower control arm rear bushing to frame bolts and nuts.

    6. Object Number: 1237957 Size: SH
  6. Prior to removal, note the orientation of the lower control arm ball stud to steering knuckle pinch bolt and remove the pinch bolt and discard.
  7. Separate the ball stud from the steering knuckle.

    8. Object Number: 1229961 Size: SH
  8. Remove the control arm from the vehicle.
  9. Remove the lower control arm rear bushing. Refer to Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Replacement .

Installation Procedure
  1. Install the lower control arm rear bushing. Refer to Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Replacement .
  2. Position the lower control arm to the frame assembly and steering knuckle.

    3. Object Number: 1237957 Size: SH
  3. Note the previous orientation and install a new ball stud to steering knuckle pinch bolt. Hand tighten only.

    4. Object Number: 1229964 Size: SH
  4. Install the lower control arm front bushing to frame bolt. Hand tighten only.

    5. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Install the lower control arm rear bushing to frame bolts and nuts.

    6. Tighten

    1. Tighten the ball stud to steering knuckle pinch nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

      2. Reverse the nut 3/4 of a turn .

      Tighten to 50 N·m (37 lb ft) +60 degrees.

    2. Tighten the bolts with the front suspension loaded by using the proper jackstand.
    3. Tighten the front bushing to frame bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft) plus 90 degrees.
    4. Tighten the rear bushing to frame bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft) plus 90 degrees.
  6. If equipped with a LX9 engine, perform one of the following steps:
    7. • If the right lower control arm was removed, install the engine mount. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 3.5L (LX9).
    • If the left lower control arm was removed, install the side transmission mount. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement - Side in Automatic Transaxle - 4T40-E/4T45-E.
  7. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  8. Lower the vehicle.