Control Arm: Service and Repair

Fig. 10 Control arm retaining nut torque specifications:

EXC. CORVETTE
If more than one control arm is being replaced, remove and install one arm at a time to prevent axle assembly from slipping or twisting out of position.

CONTROL ARMS, REPLACE

1. Raise vehicle and support at frame pads. Support nose of axle housing to prevent assembly from twisting when control arm is removed.
2. If lower control arm is being replaced, remove bolts securing stabilizer bar to control arm, if equipped.
3. Remove bolts securing control arm to chassis and rear axle, and the control arm.
4. Reverse procedure to install, lower vehicle and torque control arm bolts to specifications, Fig. 10, with vehicle at normal ride height. All torque prevailing type fasteners must be torqued at the nut, not at the bolt, to ensure proper clamping force.

Fig. 11 Upper control arm rear bushing (differential carrier bushing) removal:

Fig. 12 Upper control arm rear bushing (differential carrier bushing) installation:

BUSHING REPLACEMENT

Differential Carrier Bushings (Upper Control Arm Rear Bushing)
The upper control arm rear bushing, which is pressed into the differential carrier, can be replaced using the following procedure:
1. Raise vehicle and support at frame pads, and support nose of axle housing to prevent assembly from twisting.
2. Lower rear axle to obtain clearance, disconnect upper control arm from axle and position aside.
3. Install suitable bushing removal tool as shown in Fig. 11, tighten puller screw and press bushing out of housing.
4. To install replacement bushing, reverse position of removal tool and pull bushing into position by tightening screw, Fig. 12.

Fig. 13 Control arm bushing removal. Exc. Corvette:

Fig. 14 Control arm bushing installation. Exc. Corvette:

Control Arm Bushings

1. Raise and support vehicle and remove control arm as outlined previously.
2. Press bushings out of control arm using suitable tools as shown in Fig. 13.
3. Reverse procedure to install, ensuring bushing is properly seated in control arm, Fig. 14. If replacement bushing fits loosely in control arm, or if mounting areas are damaged or deformed, control arm must be replaced.