Curiosii for ever!: Car repair manuals for everyone.
Home >> Chevy Truck >> 1998 >> Astro Van L AWD V6-4.3L VIN W >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Steering and Suspension >> Suspension >> Control Arm >> Service and Repair >> Lower Control Arm Replacement

Lower Control Arm Replacement

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
^ Tools Required:
- J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer
- J 6627-A Tie Rod Puller
- J 24319-B Steering Linkage Puller
- J 36202 Torsion Bar Unloading/Loading Tool
- J 36618 Lower Control Arm Bushing Service Set
- J 9519-23 Ball Joint C-Clamp

1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with safety stands.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to WHEEL REMOVAL in TIRES AND WHEELS.
3. Remove the two bolts at the front splash shield. Pivot the shield in order to access the tie rod and the stabilizer shaft.
4. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to STABILIZER SHAFT REPLACEMENT (FULL-TIME FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE).
5. Remove the shock absorber. Refer to SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT (FULL-TIME FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE).





6. Using the J 6627-A, disconnect the inner tie rod end from the relay rod. Refer to TIE ROD REPLACEMENT in STEERING LINKAGE.





7. Remove the outer axle shaft nut and the washer from the hub assembly.
8. Remove the bolts from the hub and bearing assembly.
9. Remove the hub and bearing assembly using a puller.





10. Using the J 36202, unload the torsion bar. Mark the adjuster bolt for installation. Refer to TORSION BAR REPLACEMENT.
11. Remove the adjuster arm. Refer to TORSION BAR REPLACEMENT.
^ Slide the torsion bar forward, and the adapter out of the rear in order to remove the adjuster arm.
^ Support the lower control arm with a jack.
12. Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint.
13. Remove the nut from the lower ball joint.
14. Disconnect the ball joint from the knuckle. Refer to LOWER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT (FULL-TIME FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE).





15. Remove the nuts and the washer.
16. Remove the bolts.





17. Remove the lower control arm and torsion bar as a unit.





18. Remove the lower control arm from the torsion bar.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE





1. Install the torsion bar into the lower control arm.





2. Install the lower control arm bolts in the proper direction.
2.1. Install the front leg of the lower control arm into the crossmember.
2.2. Install the rear leg of the control arm into the frame bracket.
3. Install the lower control arm and torsion bar assembly to the crossmember.

NOTICE: Always use the correct fastener in the proper location. When you replace a fastener, use ONLY the exact part number for that application. The manufacturer will call out those fasteners that require a replacement after removal. The manufacturer will also call out the fasteners that require thread lockers or thread sealant. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, do not use supplemental coatings (paints, greases, or other corrosion inhibitors) on threaded fasteners or fastener joint interfaces. Generally, such coatings adversely affect the fastener torque and joint clamping force, and may damage the fastener. When you install fasteners, use the correct tightening sequence and specifications. Following these instructions can help you avoid damage to parts and systems.

4. Install the new nuts and the washers.

Tighten
4.1. Tighten the nuts with the control arm at Z height. Refer to TRIM HEIGHT in SUSPENSION GENERAL DIAGNOSIS.
4.2. Tighten the front nuts to 133 Nm (98 ft. lbs.).
4.3. Tighten the rear nuts to 133 Nm (98 ft. lbs.).

5. Connect the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle.
6. Install the ball joint nut.

Tighten
Tighten the nut to 128 Nm (95 ft. lbs.).





7. Install a new cotter pin. Tighten the nut up to an additional 1/6 amount in order to insert the cotter pin through the lower ball joint stud. Bend the cotter pin ends flat against the nut.
8. Install the torsion bar adjuster arm. Refer to TORSION BAR REPLACEMENT.
9. Install the drive axle through the hub.





10. Install the outer axle shaft washer and the nut to the hub assembly.

Tighten
Tighten the nut to 200 Nm (147 ft. lbs.).





11. Install the inner tie rod end to the relay rod using the J 29193. Refer to TIE ROD REPLACEMENT in STEERING LINKAGE.
12. Install the shock absorber. Refer to SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT (FULL-TIME FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE).
13. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to STABILIZER SHAFT REPLACEMENT (FULL-TIME FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE).
14. Install the front splash shield and the splash shield bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 14 Nm (124 inch lbs.).

15. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to WHEEL INSTALLATION in TIRES AND WHEELS.
16. Remove the safety stands.
17. Lower the vehicle.
18. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
pro multis · Curiosii