Information on Identifying Proper Design Level and Torque Spec Change for Front Lower Control Arm

The purpose of this bulletin is to inform Saturn Retailers of a change to service parts availability for the Saturn VUE front lower control arm assembly. The pin in the lower control arm changed, which resulted in a torque specification change. The old design level lower control arm assembly is no longer available.

When fastening this joint, you must identify which design level of parts is on the vehicle. This can be done by reviewing the date stamped in the lower control arm. The location of the stamping is shown in the illustration above.

If the lower control arm has a date stamped of 4A133A or earlier, it is a first design control arm assembly. If the lower control arm has a date stamp later than 4A133A, it is a second design lower control arm.

The stamping on the control arm can be read as follows: Year-Month-Day-Shift-Jig.

For the breakpoint, the stamping refers to the following:

4 = 2004

A = 1st letter > January

13 = 13th day

3 = 3rd shift

A = Jig A

The torque for the rear bushing to lower control arm nut is different for each design level.

First design level torque -- 122 N·m (90 lb ft)

Second design level torque -- 150 N·m (110 lb ft)