GM 25766511
Control Arm, Driver Side

In order to replace the lower Control Arm, start with using the j 43828 Ball Joint separator (J 43828) that will allow the opportunity to separate the Ball Joint away from the knuckle and make sure that the vehicle is properly and safely raised and supported. Remove the tire and the wheel, and the stabilizer shaft link. After that, remove the cotter pin from the lower Ball Joint and loosen the lower Ball Joint retaining nut from a ball-stud. Take caution and avoid over extension of the tri-pot joints, and use drives axle joint seal protectors to protect the joints from damage. But after removing the lower Ball Joint from the steering knuckle from front to take a lower bottom Ball Joint retaining nut then a remove lower Control Arm mounting bolts and nuts to remove lower Control Arm from the frame. To install, align the lower Control Arm to the frame but do not tighten the Control Arm nuts at first; support the weight of the vehicle by the control arms to reach the proper trim heights before attaching the lower Control Arm bolts and nuts. Install the lower Ball Joint and retaining nut to the steering knuckle by tightening the retaining nut to 10 nm (88 inch lbs.) plus 150 degrees and make sure that the two flats are tightened to a minimum of 55 nm (41 ft. Lbs.) to align the cotter pin slot. Replace the cotter pin, reattach stabilizer shaft link, then put the tire n wheel back on before lowering the vehicle. Finally, tighten nut of control arms in a sequence starting with the rear mounting bolts of 158 nm (117 ft. Lbs.), and then front mounting nut 126 nm (93 ft. Lbs.), and inspecting the trim height.

The process starts with vehicle lifting and support before moving forward toward Control Arm front lower replacement. First remove the tire and wheel before proceeding to remove the stabilizer shaft link. You should start by eliminating the lower Ball Joint cotter pin and then freeing up the lower Ball Joint retaining nut from the ball stud using a wrench. Be attentive when working with the tri-pot joints to avoid excessive movement because it will trigger internal component separation and joint breakdown. Drilling axle joint seal protectors serves as a protective measure for drive axle maintenance. Start removal of the lower Ball Joint from the Steering Knuckle by inserting the j43828 Ball Joint separator (J43828) and then remove the lower Ball Joint retaining nut. First detach the lower Control Arm mounting bolts with the lower Control Arm nuts; then separate the lower Control Arm from the frame. Before final tightening apply the lower Control Arm to the frame without installing the Control Arm nuts at first; then support the vehicle's weight through the control arms before securing the lower Control Arm bolts and nuts. Use the control arms to suspend the vehicle's weight while reaching proper trim heights and then bolt and nut the lower Control Arm. Secure the lower Ball Joint retaining nut to the Steering Knuckle, while tightening the lower Ball Joint retaining nut to 10 nm (88 inch lbs.) and the two flats to a minimum of 55 nm (41 ft. Lbs.) to create alignment with the cotter pin slot. Reinstall the stabilizer shaft link and tire and wheel before inserting the cotter pin. After dropping the vehicle position each Control Arm nut with attention to proper sequence while testing the trim height alignment. Fasten the rear mounting bolt with 158 nm (117 ft. Lbs.) torque and tighten the front mounting nut to 126 nm (93 ft. Lbs.).

Connect the adjustment link to the lower control arm and secure it with the adjustment link retaining nut, tightening it to 50 Nm (36 ft. lbs.).

Remove the lower ball joint retaining nut, followed by the lower control-arm-mounting bolts and nuts to detach the lower control arm from the frame.

Reinstall the wheel bearing/hub, the stabilizer shaft link, and the automatic level control height sensor link on the left control arm.

Take off the wheel bearing/hub, remove the adjustment link retaining nut, and disconnect the adjustment link from the lower control arm.

Remove the tire and wheel, followed by the stabilizer shaft link.

Tighten the rear mounting bolt to 158 Nm (117 ft. lbs.) and the front mounting nut to 126 Nm (93 ft. lbs.).

Remove the cotter pin and loosen the lower ball joint retaining nut from the ball stud.

Remove the rear suspension support assembly.

Jounce the vehicle and tighten the lower control arm nuts, ensuring the front lower control arm nut is tightened to 162 Nm (120 ft. lbs.) and the rear lower control arm nut to 146 Nm (108 ft. lbs.).

Install the lower control arm to the rear suspension support assembly, and if necessary, install the wheel bearing and hub.

Use the Universal Steering Linkage Puller (J24319-B).

Install the stabilizer shaft link bolt, spacer, insulator, and nut, tightening the stabilizer shaft link nut to 15 Nm (11 ft. lbs.).

Install the lower control arm mounting bolts and nuts, followed by the wheel bearing and hub.

Lower the vehicle, then joist it again to tighten the lower control arm nuts to 157 Nm (116 ft. lbs.).