http://www.1aauto.com shows you how to replace a front control arm on a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. This procedure is exactly the same for any 1995-2005 Chevrolet …
http://www.1aauto.com shows you how to replace a front control arm on a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire. This procedure is exactly the same for any 1995-2005 Chevrolet …
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You can replace just the bad one. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393
Hello.
If i know that the left control arm in my car is bad, can i just replace one side or i have to replace both at once?
No , that is the sway bar link. Common issue on these cars.
It could. You may want to check all of the suspension pieces to see if any are clunking around on you.
Could this cause a clunck noise when hitting a pot hole
Mike is using a transmission jack because he is using a proper lift to get the car off the ground. The average person does not have a car lift at their disposal so normally they use jack stands and just a normal car jack. Once you have the jack stands in position use the car jack to push up on the control arm.
I managed to get the ball joints & control arms out but they were tough. I’m having troubles getting the new control arms in place though. I tried the techniques shown in the video but they won’t budge. What type of jack is being used to support the strut?? I think this will make it easier to get the control arms in place.
Normally when you are removing the ball joint from the steering knuckle, you want the control arm to have free range so you do not wan to have anything underneath stopping it from dropping down. Thanks for watching our video on Youtube and have a great day!
Hey Mike and 1aauto, I’m unable to remove the ball joint from the steering mechanism with a pickle fork (ball joint removal tool) as shown in the video. Do I need to support the strut in order to get it off? If so, where should the jack be placed?
this video here gave me an idea of what i had to do for a chevy beretta. wasnt exactly the same but it was pretty helpful. thanks a lot.
I’m not sure i’d start bolts with a air gun, But all and all a good helpful vid, Thanks.
Mine is total rusted out the tire is rubbing the front wheel well… I’m not sure this car is worth saving anymore one thing after another
Glad To Help. Next time you need parts for your car please check out 1A Auto dot com.
thanks so much
A professional should be able to do both in 2-3 hours total, BUT I can understand them quoting extra time in case they run in to a problem such as breaking a bolt or something along those lines.
how long would you say it would take to replace both right and left lower control arms? was quoted 5 hours but from the looks of how you replaced it i would say 1.5 hrs a side maybe 2 max?
Not sure what the official name is but it is probably something like the “front left subframe to front bumper brace”.
Thanks, just wanted to make sure before I started.
The lower one is easy. The engine will not fall out. Put a jack underneath it lightly if it makes you nervous.
How difficult is replacing the torque strut mount. Is it simply loosening the bolts that hold it in place and then putting the new one in, or are there additional steps. Would the engine fall out of place? Would I have to hold the engine in place to do this? Get back with me as soon as you can. I need to replace mine and it looks simple, but I want to make sure before going in.
I agree you need to be careful. Always make sure your bolts are going in easily first. If they go in as turn or two then get difficult to turn you may be cross threading. Remember, if it’s not easy it is probably not right.
There is one mistake you made and should tell people you never start a bolt with a impact wrench start it by hand or it may end up costing you more then you saved doing it yourself if you cross the threads.
Yes you are correct. On the passenger side there is a torque strut mount, lower engine mount, or suspension linkage, whatever you want to call it. That has to come out. I believe 15mm wrenches get the job done. The plastic inner fender gets in the way some. If the plastic is warm it is flexible and you can muscle it out of the way. If your bushings are bad I can tell you replacing the control arms makes a night and day difference. On the difficult side as far as a repair but worth it.
i guess the ‘suspension linkage’ i was referring to is actually called the engine torque strut mount.
for the passenger side control arm, do I just remove the suspension linkage instead of the brace to expose the front control arm bolt? if so, does anything else special need to be done on the passenger side?
Thanks, we’re trying to be thorough. If you notice anything missing (like the glasses) we appreciate the feedback.
good video, nice tip on lining up the ball joint shaft hole front to back before slippin it through.
im sure you know but throw on some glasses when your pounding ha ha