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Home >> Cadillac >> 2002 >> Escalade EXT >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 774 (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 2003 Pontiac Aztek and 2003 Buick Rendezvous. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Install the lower control arm.
  2. Install the control arm bolts and nuts. Hand tighten only.

    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. Install the ball stud castle nut.

    Tighten  Tighten the ball stud castle nut to 55 N.m (40 lb ft).

    Fig 1: Installing Lower Control Arm
    G01499535Courtesy 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.
    Fig 2: Aligning Ball Stud Castle Nut Slot To Ball Stud Cotter Pin Hole
    G01499536Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  Ensure that the cotter pin ends do not contact the ABS sensor connector or the drive axle.

  6. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends as shown in either example.
  7. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT  .
    Fig 3: Installing Cotter Pin
    G01499537Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. Install the wheel speed sensor harness to the lower control arm.

    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 (drag) 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 104 N.m (77 lb ft).

    Fig 4: Installing Wheel Speed Sensor Harness To Lower Control Arm
    G01499538Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Install the tire and wheel.
  11. Lower the vehicle.