🔧 Control Arms - Front Lower Control Arm Replacement

This procedure replaces the front lower control arms on your Equinox. The control arm locates the wheel and suspension, so worn bushings or ball joints can cause clunks, uneven tire wear, and poor steering feel.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface with the parking brake set.
• Support the vehicle securely on jack stands before removing any suspension parts.
• Keep hands clear of the spring and knuckle area while parts are under load.
• If the control arm has a ball joint attached to the knuckle, use caution when separating it.
• Do not tighten suspension pivot bolts with the suspension hanging. Final torque must be set at ride height.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar
• Socket set
• Metric wrench set
• Torque wrench
• Ball joint separator (specialty)
• Hammer
• Penetrating oil
• Bolt marking paint

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front lower control arm - Left - Qty: 1
• Front lower control arm - Right - Qty: 1
• Control arm mounting bolts - Qty: 4
• Ball joint pinch bolt and nut - Qty: 2
• Wheel alignment - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front wheel lug nuts before lifting the vehicle.
• Mark the position of any cam bolts or alignment washers before removal.
• Plan on getting a front-end alignment after the repair.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the front of the vehicle

• Use a floor jack to raise the front of your Equinox at the proper lift point.
• Support it securely on jack stands.
• Remove both front wheels with the correct lug wrench or socket.

Step 2: Free the control arm from the knuckle

• Spray penetrating oil on the control arm ball joint fasteners and let it soak.
• Use the correct metric socket and wrench to remove the ball joint fastener at the steering knuckle.
• If the ball joint is stuck, use a ball joint separator to break it free.
• Do not strike the aluminum knuckle directly.

Step 3: Remove the rear and front control arm bolts

• Use the correct metric socket and breaker bar to remove the rear control arm bolt.
• Use the correct metric socket and breaker bar to remove the front control arm bolt.
• On bolts with alignment marks or cam hardware, mark their position first with bolt marking paint.

Step 4: Remove the control arm

• Lower the control arm carefully and remove it from the subframe.
• Remove the control arm from the vehicle.
• Compare the old part to the new one to confirm shape and mounting points match.

Step 5: Install the new control arm

• Position the new control arm in the subframe.
• Start the front and rear mounting bolts by hand using the correct metric socket.
• Install the ball joint into the steering knuckle and start the fastener by hand.
• Tighten the ball joint fastener to factory service specification.

Step 6: Set final torque at ride height

• Raise the suspension so the control arm sits at normal ride height.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the front and rear control arm pivot bolts to factory service specification.
• Final torque at ride height protects the bushings.

Step 7: Reinstall wheels and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the front wheels and snug the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
• Lower the vehicle to the ground.
• Tighten the lug nuts with a torque wrench to factory service specification.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the vehicle and listen for clunks or rubbing noises.
• Check that the steering wheel is centered.
• Inspect the control arm area for any loose fasteners.
• Get a professional wheel alignment as soon as possible.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $650-$1,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$450 (parts only)

You Save: $470-$750 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.