GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Lower Control Arm Replacement 1500

Special Tools

    • J 43631 Ball Joint Separator
    • J 45851 Ball Joint Separator Protector Adapters

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. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  4. Remove the wheel drive shaft, if equipped. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .
  5. Using mechanics wire or equivalent, support the knuckle assembly and upper control arm.

  6. Object Number: 1761079  Size: SH
  7. Remove and discard the lower ball joint retaining nut.

  8. Object Number: 1761077  Size: SH
  9. Remove the lower shock module bolts from the lower control arm.

  10. Object Number: 853943  Size: SH
  11. Using the J 43631 and the J 45851 , remove the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.

  12. Object Number: 1870075  Size: SH
  13. Remove the lower control arm nuts (1)  and washers (2).
  14. Remove the control arm bolts (3).
  15. Remove the control arm (4).

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1870075  Size: SH
  1. Install the lower control arm (4).
  2. Install the lower control arm bolts (3).
  3. Install the washers (2).
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Install the lower control arm retaining nuts (1).
  6. Tighten
    Tighten nuts to 175 N·m (129 lb ft).

  7. Install the lower ball joint in the steering knuckle.

  8. Object Number: 1761079  Size: SH
  9. Install the NEW lower ball joint retaining nut.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten nuts to 125 N·m (92 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1761077  Size: SH
  11. Install the lower shock absorber module mount bolts.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  13. Remove the support for the steering knuckle and upper control arm.
  14. Install the wheel drive shaft, if equipped. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .
  15. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  16. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  17. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
  18. Align the front end. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement .

Lower Control Arm Replacement 2500

Special Tools

    • J 43631 Ball Joint Separator
    • J 45851 Ball Joint Separator Protector Adapters

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. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.
  4. Remove the torsion bars. Refer to Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement.
  5. Remove the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement.
  6. Remove the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.

  7. Object Number: 830506  Size: SH
  8. Remove and discard the lower ball joint retaining nut.

  9. Object Number: 853943  Size: SH
  10. Using the J 43631 and the J 45851 , remove the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.

  11. Object Number: 1870076  Size: SH
  12. Remove the lower control arm nuts (1)  and washers (2).
  13. Remove the control arm bolts (3).
  14. Remove the control arm (4).

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1870076  Size: SH
  1. Install the lower control arm (4).
  2. Install the lower control arm bolts (3).
  3. Install the washers (2).
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Install the lower control arm retaining nuts (1).
  6. Tighten
    Tighten nuts to 175 N·m (129 lb ft).

  7. Install the lower ball joint into the steering knuckle.

  8. Object Number: 830506  Size: SH
  9. Install the NEW lower ball joint retaining nut.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten nuts to 125 N·m (92 lb ft).

  11. Install the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement.
  12. Install the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement.
  13. Install the torsion bars. Refer to Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement.
  14. Remove the support for the knuckle and upper control arm.
  15. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.
  16. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  17. Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
  18. Verify the front end alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement.