GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2008 🢒 Malibu 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 3.5L 🢒 Lower Control Arm Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

    3. Object Number: 1237957 Size: SH

    Important: DO NOT re-use the lower ball joint bolt. Discard and use NEW only.

  3. Remove the lower ball joint to knuckle nut and bolt.
  4. Separate the lower control arm from the knuckle.
  5. If removing the left lower control arm and the vehicle is equipped with the 4T45-E transmission, remove the left side transmission mount. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement - Left Side .
  6. If removing the right lower control arm and the vehicle is equipped with the 3.5L engine, remove the right engine mount. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement .

    7. Object Number: 1921727 Size: SH
  7. Remove the front lower control arm bolt.

    8. Object Number: 1921729 Size: MH
  8. Remove the rear lower control arm bushing nuts and bolts. Refer to Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Replacement .

    9. Object Number: 1229961 Size: SH
  9. Remove the lower control arm from the front frame.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 1229961 Size: SH
  1. Position the lower control arm in the cradle.

    2. Object Number: 1921729 Size: MH
  2. Install and hand tighten the rear lower control arm bushing nuts and bolts.

    3. Object Number: 1921727 Size: SH
  3. Install and hand tighten the front lower control arm bolt.

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


    Object Number: 1237957 Size: SH
  4. Install the ball joint to knuckle bolt and nut.

    5. Tighten

    1. Tighten the ball joint bolt and nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
    2. Reverse the nut 3/4 of a turn.
    3. Tighten to 50 N·m (37 lb ft) plus 30 degrees.
  5. Load the front suspension with the proper jack stand before tightening the bolts to specifications.
  6. Tighten the front lower control arm bolt.

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the lower control arm bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft) plus 90 degrees.

  7. Tighten the rear bushing to frame bolts.

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the lower control arm bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft) plus 90 degrees.

  8. Remove the jack stand.
  9. For vehicles equipped with the 4T45-E transmission, install the left side transmission mount. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement - Left Side .
  10. For vehicles equipped with the 3.5L engine, install the right side engine mount. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement .
  11. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  12. Verify wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications .
  13. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.