Genuine Cadillac Fleetwood Control Arm

Cadillac Fleetwood Control Arm Parts Questions & Answers

• Front Lower Control Arm Assembly
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  Q: How to remove and install control arms on Cadillac ElDorado and Fleetwood?

  A: To start the process of changing control arms on different models of Cadillac made between 1990 and 1998, first lift and support the vehicle safely, remove the wheel and tire assembly, and disconnect such parts as height sensors, stabilizer bars or Shock Absorbers. In order to change control arms in Deville and Fleetwood models made between 1990 & 93 there is need to remove suspension adjustment link coil spring as well as ball joint stud and use specific tools to separate knuckle from ball joint. Put back the control arm then tighten all necessary nuts to given torque values then lubricate them. The steps for Eldorado and Seville models made between 1990 & 92 include disconnecting brake components, removing knuckle pivot bolt, lowering the suspension in order to take off the control arm. The control arm should be positioned and reattach components before tightening relevant bolts/nuts to specific torque values that would ensure proper suspension height. On Eldorado and Seville models manufactured from 1993 to 1998, removing lower control arm involves disconnecting stabilizer bar and shock absorber; removing inner lower control arm nuts and bolts; safely lowering control arm to relieve spring pressure. At this point the lower control arm is reinstalled with correct spring orientation by tightening all nuts/bolts at specified torque values. The sequence in which upper control arms are removed & installed includes disconnection of engine-specific components, removal of control arm bolts and ensuring right torque values for nuts. Finally reinstall the wheel/tire assembly while rear wheel alignment check is recommended after doing control arm work.
• Front Lower Control Arm Assembly
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  Q: How to raise and safely support a vehicle and remove the lower control arm?

  A: Raise and safely support the vehicle, allowing the front suspension to hang free. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. Remove the stabilizer bar-to-control arm bolt. Remove the cotter pin and nut from the ball joint stud. Use ball joint separator tool J-36226 or equivalent to separate the ball joint from the Steering Knuckle. Remove the control arm mounting bolts and remove the control arm from the frame. Position the control arm to the frame and install the mounting bolts, washers, and nuts. Do not tighten the mounting nuts at this time. Connect the stabilizer bar to the lower control arm and tighten the link nut to 13 ft. lbs. (17 Nm). Connect the ball joint to the steering knuckle and install the castellated nut. Tighten the ball joint nut to 88 inch lbs. (10 Nm). Then tighten the nut an additional 120°, during which a torque of 41 ft. lbs. (55 Nm) must be obtained. Install a new cotter pin in the ball joint stud. If the cotter pin cannot be installed because the hole in the stud does not align with a nut castellation, tighten the nut up to an additional 60° to allow for installation. NEVER loosen the nut to provide for cotter pin installation. If necessary, remove the CV-joint boot protector tools. Install the wheel and tire assembly and lower the vehicle. When the weight of the vehicle is supported by the lower control arms, tighten the front mounting nut to 140 ft. lbs. (190 Nm) and then the rear mounting nut to 91 ft. lbs. (123 Nm). Check the front wheel alignment. For Eldorado and Seville, the process is similar with some differences. For Control Arm Bushing replacement, remove the control arm from the vehicle. Insert bolt, washer, and bearing assembly J-21474-19 or equivalent through bushing driver J-21474-13 or equivalent and position the small end facing the bushing. Place bushing receiver J-21474-5 or equivalent on the front of the bushing. Tighten the bolt until the bushing is driven out of the frame, then remove the bushing driver tool. To install, follow the given instructions.