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

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the brake master cylinder nuts (driver side only). Refer to Master Cylinder Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
  2. Move the brake master cylinder aside (driver side only). Refer to Master Cylinder Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.

    3. Object Number: 181097 Size: MH
  3. Remove the shock absorber upper mounting bolts/screws (15) and the nuts (14).
  4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  5. Remove the special security wheel lock nut, if equipped. Use the special security wheel lock key which is located in the front floor console.
  6. Remove the tire and the wheel. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  7. Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  8. Remove the front shock absorber bolts/screws. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  9. Separate the upper ball stud (2) from the steering knuckle (6). Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .
  10. Remove the steering knuckle from the upper control arm (1).
  11. Remove the upper control arm and the shock absorber from the vehicle.
  12. Support the steering knuckle with floor stands.
  13. Remove the upper control arm from the shock absorber.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 181097 Size: MH
  1. Position the upper control arm (1) to the shock absorber (8).

    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. Install the front upper control arm bolts/screws and the nuts (12)(11).

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 98 N·m (72 lb ft).

  3. Install the upper control arm and the shock absorber to the vehicle.
  4. Position the steering knuckle (6) to the upper control arm.
  5. Install the upper ball stud to the steering knuckle. Refer to Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .
  6. Remove the floor stands from the steering knuckle.
  7. Install the front shock absorber bolts/screws. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  8. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .

    9. Notice: Turning the shock absorber while tightening the nut may damage the shock absorber. In order to prevent damage, keep the shock absorber in a stationary position while tightening the nut.

  9. Install the shock absorber mounting nuts and the bolts/screws.

    10. Tighten

        • Tighten the nuts (14) to 43 N·m (32 lb ft).
        • Tighten the bolts/screws (15) to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
  10. Install the tire and the wheel. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  11. Install the special security wheel lock nut, if equipped. Use the special security wheel lock key which is located in the front floor console.
  12. Lower the vehicle.
  13. Position the brake master cylinder (driver side only). Refer to Master Cylinder Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
  14. Install the brake master cylinder nuts (driver side only). Refer to Master Cylinder Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.