GM 10042392 Front Lower Control Arm

The lower balljoint is welded to the lower control arm and cannot be serviced separately, necessitating the replacement of the entire lower control arm if the lower balljoint requires replacement. To begin removal, loosen the wheel lug nuts without removing them, then raise the front of the vehicle and support it on jackstands before removing the tire and wheel assembly. Disconnect the stabilizer bar from the lower control arm, ensuring to disconnect only the necessary end if only one lower control arm is being removed, or remove the entire stabilizer bar if both are being replaced. Next, disconnect the tie-rod from the steering knuckle and the shock absorber at the lower control arm. Support the lower control arm with a floor jack, remove the cotter key from the lower balljoint stud, and loosen the castellated nut without removing it. Use a pickle fork tool to break the balljoint loose from the knuckle, then remove the balljoint nut and swing the knuckle and hub out of the way. Loosen the lower control arm pivot bolts, install a chain over the upper control arm and through the coil spring for safety, and slowly lower the jack to remove the chain and withdraw the spring. Remove the pivot bolts at the frame rail and crossmember to take out the lower control arm, noting that removal of the forward pivot bolt may require loosening or removing the steering assembly mounting bolts if the pivot bolts have forward-facing heads. For installation, position the lower control arm and install the pivot bolts at the frame rail and crossmember, tightening them slightly. Inspect the rubber control arm bumper on the crossmember and replace it if worn or damaged. Position the spring, install it into the upper pocket, and align the bottom with the lower control arm pocket, possibly needing assistance to compress the spring enough to slide it over the lower control arm seat. Use the floor jack to raise the lower control arm and compress the coil spring, then install the balljoint in the steering knuckle, tightening the nut to the specified torque. Connect the stabilizer bar and tie-rod, tightening their respective bolts to the specified torque, and install the shock absorber on the lower control arm, also tightening the bolt to the specified torque. If the steering rack assembly bolts were removed or loosened, replace them with new bolts and tighten to the specified torque. Finally, tighten the lower control pivot bolts, install the tire and wheel assembly, and tighten the wheel lug nuts finger tight before lowering the vehicle and tightening the lug nuts to the specified torque, with a recommendation to have the wheels aligned after reassembling the suspension.

Lower the knuckle onto the ball stud, install the clamp bolt, and tighten it to the specified torque.