GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1998 🢒 Firebird 🢒 General Information 🢒 General Information 🢒 Lower Control Arm Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the special security wheel lock nut, if equipped. Use the special security wheel lock key which is located in the front floor console.
  3. Remove the tire and the wheel. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  4. Remove the power steering gear from the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.

    5. Object Number: 181078 Size: MH
  5. Remove the stabilizer shaft link (7). Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  6. Remove the shock absorber (19) and spring (21) from the lower control arm (5). Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  7. Separate the lower control arm ball stud (4) from the steering knuckle (2). Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .
  8. Remove the lower control arm from the steering knuckle.
  9. Remove the bolts/screws and nuts.
  10. Remove the lower control arm.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 181078 Size: MH
  1. Position the lower control arm (5) to the crossmember (15).

    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.

  2. Hand tighten the bolts/screws and nuts.

    3. Tighten

        • Tighten the nuts (12) to 115 N·m (85 lb ft).
        • Tighten the nuts (13) to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).
  3. Position the lower control arm to the steering knuckle (2).

    4. Important: Tighten the nut enough in order to align the slot with the stud hole. Never loosen the nut in order to align the slot with the hole.

  4. Hand start the nut.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the nut (17) to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

  5. Install the cotter pin (18).
  6. Install the lower control arm to the shock absorber (19) and spring (21). Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  7. Install the stabilizer shaft link (7). Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  8. Install the power steering gear to the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
  9. Install the tire and the wheel. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  10. Install the special security wheel lock nut, if equipped. Use the special security wheel lock key which is located in the front floor console.
  11. Lower the vehicle.
  12. Perform a wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.