How to change lower controls arm, ball joint and rear shocks

CREEK7944

MEMBER
2001 CADILLAC CATERA

SOMEONE PLZ HELP! I have a 2001 cadillac catera, both front lower controls arms need replacing and rear shocks, I search the web cant find info on how to do this, dont have money to pay a repair, if anyone has a manual, pictures, etc to share it would be greatly appreciated, also if anyone know where I can find videos to watch, that would help me greatly, only have mild car repair experience so watching would be the best if possible, plz share links. Thanks in advance

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011 AT 8:17 PM

1 Reply

RIVERMIKERAT

MECHANIC
6,110 POSTS

Rear shocks: Fold rear seat forward. Remove upper mounting bolts. Raise rear end and remove lower mounting bolts. Reverse procedure to replace.

Front lower control arms: Raise front of vehicle. Remove wheels. Remove wheel speed sensors. Remove calipers. Separate strut from steering knuckle. Remove nut from lower ball joint. Use pickle fork to separate ball joint from steering knuckle. Remove bolts securing control arm to frame and remove control arm. Ball joint is secured to control arm with 3 bolts.

Specs: Ball joint to control arm bolts: 26 ft-lbs.
Ball joint pinch nut: 74 ft-lbs.
Control arm to frame bolts: 104 ft-lbs
Caliper bolts: 70 ft-lbs
Strut to knuckle bolts: 52 ft-lbs
Wheel speed sensor bolt: 35 ft-lbs
Lug nuts: 80 ft-lbs

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Friday, September 30th, 2011 AT 9:46 PM