1998 Chevy Cavalier

smanogue · Posted at Mon Jan 19, 2009 4:44 pm

Steering problem
1998 Chevy Cavalier 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 150 k miles

how difficult to replace controll arm bushings, I am rather mechanical.

bluelightnin6 · Posted at Mon Jan 19, 2009 4:48 pm

Instructions are below. Read over them and proceed with repair if you feel you are experienced enough. Otherwise, have a reputable shop repair it for you to prevent further damage to vehicle or harm to self.

REMOVAL OF LOWER CONTROL ARMS:
Raise and safely support vehicle.
Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
Remove the nut attaching the stabilizer link to stabilizer bar.
Remove the ball joint cotter pin and nut.

NOTE: Care must be exercised to prevent the axle shaft joints from being over-extended. When either end of the shaft is disconnected, over-extension of the joint could result in separation of internal components and possible joint failure. Failure to observe this can result in interior joint or boot damage and possible joint failure.

Remove the ball joint from the steering knuckle using a suitable tool.
Remove the bolts attaching control arm to subframe.
Remove the control arm from the vehicle.

REPLACING BUSHINGS:
Install bushing removal tools J 29792 or equivalent.
Coat the threads of the tool with extreme pressure lubricant.
Remove the lower control arm bushings.
Install the bushing installation tools
Coat the outer case of the bushing with a light coating of a suitable lubricant, then install the lower control arm bushings.

INSTALLATION OF LOWER CONTROL ARMS:
Install control arm into position and install bolts (leave loose to allow movement) attaching control arm to subframe.
Install the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle and install nut finger-tight.
Tighten the ball joint nut to 41 ft. lbs. (55 Nm) and install cotter pin.
Connect the stabilizer link to stabilizer bar and tighten the nut to 13 ft. lbs. (17 Nm).
Install tire and wheel assembly.
Lower the vehicle. Tighten the wheel lug nuts to 100 ft. lbs. (140 Nm).
With vehicle at curb height, tighten control arm bolts as follows:
Tighten the front control arm to subframe bolt to 90 ft. lbs. (125 Nm).
Tighten the rear control arm to subframe bolt to 125 ft. lbs. (170 Nm).
Check wheel alignment and adjust as necessary.

If you need further assistance just let me know..

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