Lateral Arm

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front lower lateral arm (control arm) on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, including disconnecting the ball joint and control arm mounting bolts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front lower lateral arm (control arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for ball joint × 1 — Standard size for ball joint castle nut
• Control arm mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative terminal of 12V battery (located in rear cargo area)
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at frame rail locations
6. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
7. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove ball joint cotter pin
   Locate the ball joint castle nut where the control arm connects to the steering knuckle. Use needle nose pliers to straighten and remove the cotter pin. Discard the old cotter pin as a new one must be installed during reassembly.
2. 2

   Loosen ball joint nut
   Using an 18mm socket, loosen the ball joint castle nut but do not remove it completely yet. Leave the nut threaded on by a few turns to protect the ball joint stud threads and prevent the control arm from dropping suddenly when separated.
3. 3

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Position a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork between the control arm and steering knuckle at the ball joint. Strike the tool firmly with a hammer to break the taper fit. Once separated, remove the ball joint nut completely. Support the control arm to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Using a pickle fork will damage the ball joint boot. Only use if replacing the control arm assembly.
4. 4

   Remove rear control arm bolt
   Locate the rear mounting bolt that secures the control arm to the subframe. Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, remove the rear bolt completely. The bushing may bind, so use a pry bar to relieve tension if necessary. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers.
5. 5

   Remove front control arm bolt
   Remove the front mounting bolt that secures the control arm to the subframe using a 21mm socket. Support the control arm as you remove this final bolt. Remove the control arm from the vehicle, noting the position of all washers and hardware for proper reinstallation.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points and clean surfaces
   Inspect the subframe mounting points for damage, corrosion, or elongated bolt holes. Use a wire brush to clean all mounting surfaces and bolt threads on the subframe. Check that the new control arm matches the old part and verify all bushings are in good condition.
7. 7

   Install new control arm
   Position the new control arm into place, aligning the bushing holes with the subframe mounting points. Install the front and rear mounting bolts with any washers in their original positions. Thread the bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment. Do NOT torque these bolts yet.
8. 8

   Connect ball joint to knuckle
   Align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar or jack to align the holes. Install the ball joint castle nut and tighten to specification using an 18mm socket and torque wrench. Ensure the nut is tightened to align the castle slots with the cotter pin hole.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new cotter pin
   Insert a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud hole. Bend the legs of the cotter pin around the nut to secure it properly. If the cotter pin hole does not align with a castle slot, tighten the nut further (never loosen) until alignment is achieved.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel
    Place the wheel back onto the hub and install all lug nuts by hand. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern using a hand wrench to seat the wheel, but do not torque yet. The wheel must be on for the next step.
11. 11

    Lower vehicle and torque control arm bolts
    Carefully lower the vehicle until the full weight is resting on the wheels but the jack stands are still in place as a safety backup. With the suspension at normal ride height, torque both control arm mounting bolts to specification using a 21mm socket and torque wrench. This is critical to prevent premature bushing failure.
    ⚠Control arm bolts MUST be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels. Torquing at full suspension droop will cause bushing failure.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Raise the vehicle slightly to remove jack stands, then lower completely to the ground. Using a torque wrench and 19mm socket, torque all wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the wheel.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative terminal of the 12V battery in the rear cargo area
2. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from under the vehicle
3. Check that the new cotter pin is properly installed and secured
4. Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper operation

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection to confirm the cotter pin is properly installed and bent
• Verify all bolts are torqued to specification by attempting to tighten with torque wrench set to specified value
• Test drive vehicle and verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or steering issues
• Check for proper wheel alignment; alignment should be checked after control arm replacement
• Inspect the area around the control arm for any loose hardware or leaking fluids after test drive

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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