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Home >> Buick >> 2004 >> Century Base >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 136 (Front Suspension System) >> Repair Instructions >> Lower Control Arm Replacement >> Installation Procedure
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Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    Fig 1: Lower Control Arm
    GM156958Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  1. Install the lower control arm.
  2. Install the control arm bolts and nuts. Do not tighten at this time.
    3. IMPORTANT: Align the ball stud cotter pin hole parallel to the knuckle in order to ease the cotter pin installation.
  3. Install the ball stud to the knuckle.
    4. NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
  4. Install the ball stud castle nut.

    Tighten:  Tighten the nut to 20 N.m +120 degrees (15 lb ft +120 degrees).

    5. Fig 2: Tightening Ball Stud Castle Nut
    GM384426Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    IMPORTANT: Do NOT loosen the ball stud nut in order to align the ball stud nut slots to the ball stud cotter pin hole.
  5. If necessary, tighten the ball stud castle nut in order to align the ball stud castle nut slot (1) to the ball stud cotter pin hole (2) as shown.
    6. Fig 3: Securing Cotter Pin In Ball Joint Castle Nut
    GM384428Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    IMPORTANT: If applicable, ensure that the cotter pin ends do NOT contact the ABS wheel speed sensor, the ABS sensor connector or the drive axle.
  6. Install a NEW cotter pin and bend the ends as shown in either example.
  7. If applicable, connect the ABS wheel speed sensor jumper harness to the harness retainer clips.
    8. Fig 4: ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Connector
    GM1209233Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. If applicable, connect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector.
    9. IMPORTANT: This is a prevailing torque type fastener. This fastener may be reused ONLY if:
    • The fastener and its counterpart are clean and free from rust.
    • The fastener develops 3 N.m (27 lb in) of torque against its counterpart prior to the fastener seating.

    If the fastener does not meet these criteria, REPLACE the fastener.
  9. Install the lower control arm nuts.

    Tighten:  Tighten the lower control arm nuts to 125 N.m (92 lb ft).

  10. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  11. Lower the vehicle.
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