GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Upper Control Arm Replacement RWD

Removal Procedure

Caution: Floor jack must remain under the lower control arm during removal and installation to retain the lower control arm in position. Failure to do so could result in personal injury.


    Object Number: 160827  Size: SH
  1. Raise the front of the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. • Support the lower control arm with floor stands.
    • Place floor stands under the lower control arms as far outboard as possible (between spring seats and ball joint) to maintain maxium leverage.
  3. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.

  4. Object Number: 3661  Size: SH
  5. Remove the wheel speed sensor harness and the brake hose bracket from the upper control arm.
  6. Remove the upper ball joint stud from the steering knuckle. Refer to Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .

  7. Object Number: 1856  Size: SH
  8. Remove the retaining bolts and nuts from the upper control arm. Note the location of any shims.

  9. Object Number: 1857  Size: SH
  10. Remove the upper control arm.
  11. Inspect all of the parts for wear and damage.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1858  Size: SH
  1. Install the upper control arm to the frame.

  2. Object Number: 1859  Size: SH
  3. Install the upper control arm retaining bolts.
  4. Install the shims to the original position.
  5. 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.

  6. Install the upper control arm retaining nuts.
  7. Tighten

        • Tighten the upper control arm retaining nuts with the front suspension loaded.
        • Tighten the upper control arm retaining nuts to 115 N·m (85 lb ft).
  8. Install the upper ball joint stud to the steering knuckle. Refer to Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .
  9. Tighten the upper control arm shaft nuts.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the upper control arm shaft nuts to 115 N·m (85 lb ft).


    Object Number: 3661  Size: SH
  11. Install the ABS wire and the brake hose bracket to the upper control arm.
  12. Install the ABS wire and the brake hose bracket to the upper control arm mounting bolts and nuts.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the ABS wire and the brake hose bracket to the upper control arm nuts to 24 N·m (18 lb ft).

  14. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  15. Lower the vehicle.
  16. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.

Upper Control Arm Replacement 4WD

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and the wheel. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the upper control arm from the steering knuckle. Refer to Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .

  4. Object Number: 1980  Size: SH
  5. Remove the upper control arm retaining nuts.
  6. Remove the upper control arm outer cams.
  7. Remove the upper control arm bolts.
  8. Remove the upper control arm inner cams.
  9. Remove the upper control arm from the frame.

  10. Object Number: 1984  Size: SH
  11. Remove the upper control arm bumper nut.
  12. Remove the upper control arm bumper from the upper control arm.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1984  Size: SH
  1. Install the upper control arm bumper to the upper control arm.
  2. 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 upper control arm bumper retaining nut.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the upper control arm bumper retaining nut to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1985  Size: SH
  5. Install the upper control arm to the frame.
  6. Install the upper control arm inner cams to the upper control arm retaining bolts.
  7. Important: The bolt heads must be opposed inside the bracket.

  8. Install the upper control arm retaining bolts to the upper control arm.
  9. Install the upper control arm outer cams.
  10. Install the upper control arm retaining nuts.
  11. Tighten

        • Tighten the nuts with the front suspension loaded.
        • Tighten the upper control arm retaining nuts to 115 N·m (85 lb ft).

    Object Number: 1986  Size: SH
  12. Install the upper ball joint stud to the steering knuckle. Refer to Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .
  13. Install the tire and the wheel. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  14. Lower the vehicle.
  15. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.