Hello all,

My 2005 Silverado has, for maybe 8 or 9 years now, had a curious issue where after about 6-12months my upper control arm bolts (the alignment adjustment bolts) start to slip. This leads to a heavy clunk with low speed steering and when turning and hitting bumps. For example going from the flat road to my driveway has a gutter into a 5 degree up slope. I've been chasing this clunk for almost 6 years off and on and basically replaced all of the front steering/suspension components, but I've finally nailed down the source. The vehicle has not been in any accident to my knowledge.

Has anyone else had something like this happen? How can I keep the friction-fit tight?

What are the torque specs for these bolts? Since I've replaced the control arms/bushings in the past I may have messed things up; Is there a particular arrangement of bolts/washers? Direction of bolt head/nut v front/back of vehicle? Can I just put a 2nd nut on the bolt to lock it? Could this be an indicator of other damage I'm not thinking of? I mean, I've gone years at a time just "dealing" with the clunk, can I measure the frame slots to see if i deformed them?

Thanks!

 

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