GM 12543997
Upper Control Arm, Driver Side

The first step for front upper control arm service and repair requires safely elevating your vehicle while using safety stands. The service begins by setting the tire and wheel assembly aside followed by removal of any air cleaner extension then the brake hose. Begin by removing the bracket and hose while tying the hose securely out of the way. Next remove the nut and screw. Start by removing the upper control arm from the knuckle by taking out both the nut followed by the cotter pin. Take out the upper control arm and bushings by removing their nuts and bolts. Install bushings first then attach the upper control arm to the vehicle's frame during assembly. The installation requires you to place bolt heads in opposite positions within the bracket before tightening the bolts. Begin securing the front nut before the rear nut but maintain the control arm at Z height during installation. Install new nuts then torque them to 190 Nm (140 ft. lbs.). Screw in the upper ball joint stud onto the knuckle before tightening the nut to 100 Nm (94 ft. lbs.) while placing the cotter pin at proper alignment yet extending past no more than 1/6 turn. Torque the front-mounted nut after the rear nut while maintaining control arm Z height position. Place a new cotter pin across the nut flats and bend its ends for maximum security. After the knuckle support removal install the brake hose, bracket, screw, and nut in sequence. Reattach the air cleaner extension before putting on both tire and wheel assembly. Drop the vehicle to ground level and verify front wheel alignment as the final step.

Remove the lower shock absorber bolt from the control arm and compress the shock.

Remove the shock absorber, followed by the front stabilizer shaft link and the front coil spring.

Raise and support the vehicle, then support the rear axle.

Remove the safety stands, lower the vehicle, and check the front wheel alignment.

Tighten the front nut before the rear nut.