Walk-Through on replacing the Front Lower Control Arms on an Uplander
 

Hello ladies and gents,


My neighbour's '05 Uplander had been involved in some variety of accident in which the front lower control arms were irrevocably damaged. I have a reputation around my neighbourhood as being "that old car guy" so naturally my neighbour requested my assistance in the replacement of said control arms.

After stipulating that I would only lend my help if compensated with a multitude of frosty tall boys (what can I say- I'm a tough negotiator :)), I set off to perform my neighbourly duties.

Here is the proper procedure for replacing the front lower control arms on an Uplander:

-Removal-

1) Raise and safely support the vehicle.

2) Remove the wheel, marking the location of the wheel to the hub prior to removal. Mark the individual location of all retainers as they are removed.

3) Detach the ABS wheel speed sensor connector.

4) Remove the ABS wheel speed sensor jumper harness from the harness retainer clips.

5) Remove the stabilizer shaft link.

6) Remove the cotter pin from the ball stud and loosen the ball stud nut.

7) Install Special Tool J-41820 ball joint separator tool over the ball stud and lower control arm as shown.

http://content.chiltonsonline.com/co...5-mont-g34.gif
**Shown here: Using Special Tool J-41820 Ball Joint Separator**

8) Rotate the ball stud nut counterclockwise in order to separate the ball stud from the steering knuckle.

9) Remove the lower control arm bolts and nuts, and then the lower control arm.

http://content.chiltonsonline.com/co...-mont-g104.gif
**Shown here: Lower Control Arm**

-Installation-

1) Install or connect the following:

• Lower control arm
• Control arm bolts and nuts
• Ball stud to the knuckle
• Ball stud castle nut, tighten the ball stud castle nut to 22 ft. lbs. (30 Nm), plus 135 degrees

Note: Do NOT loosen the ball stud nut in order to align the ball stud nut slots to the ball stud cotter pin hole. If necessary, tighten the ball stud castle nut in order to align the ball stud castle nut slot to the ball stud cotter pin hole. Ensure that the cotter pin ends do NOT contact the ABS wheel speed sensor, the ABS sensor connector or the drive axle.

• NEW cotter pin and bend the ends
• Stabilizer shaft link
• ABS wheel speed sensor jumper harness to the harness retainer clips
• ABS wheel speed sensor connector
  • Lower control arm nuts, tighten the lower control arm nuts to 71 ft. lbs. (96 Nm)

Note: 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 18 inch lbs. (2 Nm) of torque/drag against its counterpart prior to the fastener seating. If the fastener does not meet these criteria, REPLACE the fastener.

2) Install the tire and wheel assembly. Tighten the lug nuts to 100 ft. lbs. (140 Nm) in a criss—cross pattern, after aligning the wheel hub with the reference mark and holes as shown in appropriate illustration.

3) Lower the vehicle.

http://www.gmpartseast.com/diagrams/...mu06020x02.png
*diagram courtesy of gmpartsgiant.com; all rights reserved

Lower control arm replacement
 

I have a 2005 Venture van. I am replacing the lower control arm. My question is what size star (torx) do I use to get the forward verticall bolt off. I don't have a collection of star drivers and would only like to purchase the correct one.