GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2001 🢒 Prizm 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Front Suspension 🢒 Lower Control Arm Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Important: If you are removing the LH front lower control arm from a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, you must remove the front suspension crossmember, the trans support, the two lower control arms, and the front stabilizer shaft (if equipped) together as a complete unit. Refer to Front Suspension Crossmember Replacement .

  1. Install the Engine Support Fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical-1.8 L.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

    4. Object Number: 327880 Size: SH
  4. Remove the suspension support brace (5) and the stabilizer shaft (10), if equipped. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .

    5. Object Number: 327878 Size: SH
  5. Remove the following components from the lower control arm:
    6. • The 1 bolt
    • The 2 nuts

    Object Number: 328258 Size: SH
  6. Remove the following components from the vehicle:
    7. • The 4 bolts (1, 8, 9, 11)
    • The 1 nut (12)
    • The front lower control arm bracket (10)
    • The front lower control arm

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 328258 Size: SH
  1. Install the front lower control arm. Secure with the bolt (1). DO NOT tighten.
  2. Install the stabilizer shaft and the stabilizer shaft link to the front lower control arm (if equipped with a stabilizer shaft). Secure with the nut. DO NOT tighten.

    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.

  3. Install the front lower control arm bracket (10) to the crossmember. Secure with the nut (12).

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 19 N·m (14 lb ft).

  4. Install the front stabilizer shaft insulator clamp (if equipped with a stabilizer shaft). Secure with the nut (5).

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 19 N·m (14 lb ft).

  5. Install, but do not tighten, the 4 bolts (3, 8, 9, 11).

    6. Object Number: 327878 Size: SH
  6. Install the following to the lower control arm:
    7. • The 2 nuts
    • The 1 bolt

    Tighten
    Tighten the nuts and the bolt to 142 N·m (105 lb ft).


    Object Number: 423149 Size: SH
  7. Install the following components:
    8. • The suspension support brace (5)
    • The 2 suspension support brace nuts (4, 6)

    Tighten
    Tighten the 2 nuts to 69 N·m (51 lb ft).

  8. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  9. Lower the vehicle.

    10. Important: The weight of the vehicle must be supported by the vehicle's tires and wheels.

  10. Raise the vehicle on a drive-on lift or move the vehicle to an alignment rack. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  11. Stabilize the suspension by lifting up and pushing down the front bumper.

    12. Object Number: 328258 Size: SH
  12. Torque the 1 bolt (9).

    13. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 175 N·m (129 lb ft).

  13. Torque the 1 bolt (1).

    14. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 215 N·m (158 lb ft).

  14. Torque the 1 bolt (3).

    15. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 225 N·m (167 lb ft).

  15. Torque the 1 bolt (11).

    16. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 147 N·m (109 lb ft).

  16. Torque the 1 bolt (8).

    17. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 123 N·m (91 lb ft).

  17. Use a 5 mm hex wrench in order to hold the stabilizer shaft link stud. Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nut.

    18. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 44 N·m (33 lb ft).

  18. Remove the Engine Support Fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture in Engine Mechanical-1.8 L.
  19. Measure the front wheel alignment. Adjust as necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.
  20. Remove the vehicle from the alignment rack.