Chevrolet 20945780 Front Lower Control Arm Assembly

To remove the control arm, start by loosening the wheel lug nuts on the side to be dismantled and raising the front of the vehicle. Support it securely on jackstands and remove the wheel. Then, remove the cotter pin and loosen the balljoint nut before separating the balljoint from the steering knuckle. Use a screw-type balljoint separator if possible to avoid damaging the rubber boot. Next, remove the bolts that attach the rear of the control arm to the engine cradle and the pivot bolt and nut that attaches the front of the control arm to the engine cradle. Finally, remove the control arm. For inspection or bushing replacement, ensure the control arm is straight and replace it if bent. Inspect the bushings and replace them if cracked, torn, or worn. To replace the rear bushing, remove the nut and slide the bushing off its post. When installing the new bushing, tighten the nut to the torque specifications. If the front pivot bushing needs replacement, have the old bushing pressed out and the new bushing pressed in. For installation, follow the reverse of removal, tightening all fasteners to the torque specifications. Replace the control arm mounting bolts with new ones if recommended by the manufacturer. Use a new cotter pin on the balljoint stud nut and align the hole in the ball stud with the slots in the nut if necessary. Install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts to the torque specifications. It is advisable to have the front wheel alignment checked and adjusted if needed after completing the job.

Before inspecting or replacing the bushings, ensure the control arm is straight and replace it if bent.