When to replace the lower control arm on a Silverado?
However, if the ball joint has failed, the lower control arm needs to be replaced because this ball joint is not serviceable. Figure 1. Replacement lower control arm for a first generation Silverado 1500. Traditional “wishbone”-type, “A”-shaped front suspensions utilize an upper and lower control arm.
How to install a GM control arm bumper?
Only needed to jack up the vehicle enough to allow clearance – tire barley off the ground was more than enough. Hold the new item in place – stud through the hole for the nut and there is a small alignment pin that goes though a small hole to properly align the item. Then install the nut that was taken off during removal of the old item.
Where to remove lower control arm nut on Chevy Silverado?
Remove the already-loosened 24mm nut at the bottom of the wheel knuckle. This nut holds the lower control arm ball joint to the knuckle via its threaded stud. With the jack still in place, remove the 35mm wheel nut and the washer behind it from the center of the hub.
What kind of suspension does a Chevy Silverado use?
While the upper arm handles wheel alignment issues (camber and caster), the lower control arm handles most of the heavy lifting. And instead of using coil springs for front support, this generation of Silverado trucks use a torsion bar suspension (one on each side). Figure 2. Torsion bar and lower control arm layout.
How to change the lower control arms on a Chevy Silverado?
This article walks you through the steps and tasks required to change your Chevy Silverado’s lower control arms. This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 GMT800 (1999-2006).
Only needed to jack up the vehicle enough to allow clearance – tire barley off the ground was more than enough. Hold the new item in place – stud through the hole for the nut and there is a small alignment pin that goes though a small hole to properly align the item. Then install the nut that was taken off during removal of the old item.
While the upper arm handles wheel alignment issues (camber and caster), the lower control arm handles most of the heavy lifting. And instead of using coil springs for front support, this generation of Silverado trucks use a torsion bar suspension (one on each side). Figure 2. Torsion bar and lower control arm layout.
When to replace a bad lower control arm?
Replace the bad control arm to stop them. If your lower control arm is worn out or loose, you’ll notice a lot of strange clunking noises coming from the frame area. The noises will grow louder as you accelerate or drive over bumpy roads or uneven terrain. The bushing of the control arm is probably the main cause of this.