GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 2001 🢒 Alero 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Suspension General Diagnosis 🢒 Lower Control Arm Replacement

Tools Required

J 43828 Ball Joint Separator

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the wiring harness from the lower control arm.
  4. Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .

    5. Object Number: 186841 Size: SH
  5. Remove the cotter pin (1) and the nut (2) from the ball joint stud (3).

    6. Object Number: 490085 Size: SH

    Notice: Use only the recommended tool for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use the recommended tool may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.

  6. Separate the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle using the J 43828 .

    7. Object Number: 174616 Size: SH
  7. Remove the bolt (2) attaching the control arm (1) to the front suspension crossmember (4).
  8. Remove the bolt (3) from the control arm (1).
  9. Remove the control arm (1) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 174616 Size: SH
  1. Install the control arm (1) into position and install the bolt (2) attaching the control arm (1) to the crossmember (4).

    2. Hand tighten the bolt.

  2. Install the bolt (3) to the control arm (1).

    3. Hand tighten the bolt.

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  3. Install the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the ball stud nut to 10 N·m (89 lb in) +180°.


    Object Number: 186841 Size: SH
  4. If necessary tighten the ball joint nut enough to align the slots in order to insert the cotter pin.
  5. Install the cotter pin.

    6. Object Number: 448984 Size: SH
  6. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  7. Slightly raise the vehicle.
  8. Remove the jack stands from under the crossmember.
  9. Install the wiring harness to the lower control arm.
  10. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  11. Lower the vehicle.
  12. With the vehicle at curb height, tighten the control arm attaching bolts.

    13. Tighten

        • Tighten the front suspension crossmember front bolt (3) to 60 N·m (45 lb ft) plus 180 degrees rotation.
        • Tighten the front suspension control arm to body bolt (2) to 100 N·m (74 lb ft) plus 180 degrees rotation.
  13. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.