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#1
Replacing lower control arms
SE Level Member
05-11-2012
Hey
I am replacing my front lower control arms today on my 2005 grand prix gtp comp, Ive found a few write ups on how its done but nothing for 04+. I got new moog control arms that have the ball joint included, In some articles ive read about pressing the ball joint? Do i have to do this if im replacing the whole control arm and not just the ball joint. can anyone give me a quick step by step guide on how its done in my case?
thanks
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#2
Re: Replacing lower control arms
Turbo is the way to go.
05-11-2012
no pressing needed, because like you said, its a whole unit.
I'd start by first taking the nut off the ball joint and use a pry by to pop it loose, then unbolt it from the subrame, I think 1 bolt is a T55 or somthign that size
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#3
Re: Replacing lower control arms
SE Level Member
05-12-2012
Finished both sides, i would rate it at a 3 out of 10, 1 being an oil change and 10 being a cam job. I had to guess on a few things just wanna see if i did it right. I did not have a torque wrench so i just tightened the bolts as tight as i felt they were when i took the old ones off. And when i put the ball joint into the knuckle i used a jack to force it in there as much as possible than attached the crown bolt and cotter pin. You guys see any issues with either of these? I test drove the car and it drives fine, still going to get an alignment check tho.
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#4
Re: Replacing lower control arms
Turbo is the way to go.
05-12-2012
sounds good to me.
I use air tools on most of it, then just make the ball joint nut tight and put the cotter pin in.
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Donating User
05-13-2012
Make sure you put anti-seize on the bolts before you put them in, not on the threads just on the smooth part of the bolt. And tighten them as much as you can.
No more GP
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04 Impala SS Indy:
Gen V 3.4”|FWI|N* TB lq4 MAF|1.9 Modded Rockers|F&R Plogs|ZZP 3" Catted DP|ZZP 2.5" Catback|
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#6
Re: Replacing lower control arms
SE Level Member
08-01-2021
01 grand prix SE.
Shouldn't I jack up the lower control arm so the arm is close to where the arm sits when the car is sitting on the ground, and then tighten my control arm bushings?