GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2003 🢒 Sunfire 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Front Suspension 🢒 Lower Control Arm Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. If the vehicle is equipped with a stabilizer shaft, remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .

    4. Object Number: 60247 Size: SH
  4. If removing the right lower control arm, remove the engine mount strut retaining bolts.
  5. Remove the engine mount strut.

    6. Object Number: 490133 Size: SH
  6. If removing the left lower control arm, remove the front suspension support brace mounting bolts.
  7. Remove the front suspension support brace (3).
  8. Remove the ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .

    9. Object Number: 491742 Size: SH
  9. Remove the wiring harness from the lower control arm.
  10. Remove the lower control arm front (5) and the rear (4) mounting bolts.
  11. Remove the lower control arm (2) from the front suspension crossmember (1).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 491742 Size: SH
  1. Install the control arm (2) into the front suspension crossmember (1).
  2. Install the lower control arm front (5) and rear (4) mounting bolts. Hand tighten the mounting bolts.
  3. Install the wiring harness to the lower control arm.
  4. Install the ball joint stud to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .
  5. If the vehicle is equipped with a stabilizer shaft, install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .

    6. Object Number: 60247 Size: SH
  6. If installing the right lower control arm, install the engine mount strut.

    7. 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.

  7. Install the engine mount strut retaining bolts.

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the engine mount strut retaining bolts to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).


    Object Number: 490133 Size: SH
  8. If installing the left lower control arm, install the front suspension support brace.
  9. Install the front suspension support brace mounting bolts (2, 4).

    10. Tighten
    Tighten the front suspension support mounting bolts to 72 N·m (53 lb ft).

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

    12. Object Number: 491742 Size: SH
  12. Tighten the control arm front mounting bolt (5) (front bushing) with the vehicle at curb height.

    13. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 100 N·m plus 90 degrees rotation (74 lb ft).

  13. Tighten the control arm rear mounting bolt (4) (rear vertical bushing).

    14. Tighten
    Tighten to 170 N·m (125 lb ft).

  14. Inspect the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.