🔧 Control Arms - Front Lower Control Arm Replacement

This guide covers replacing both front lower control arms on your Equinox. Because the front suspension will be disturbed, a wheel alignment is required after the repair to keep the steering straight and prevent tire wear.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle with jack stands before removing any suspension parts.
• Do not work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
• The steering knuckle can shift suddenly when the control arm is removed.
• Use caution around the brake hose and ABS wire so they are not stretched or damaged.
• If the suspension is loaded, some bolts may be hard to remove; never force the knuckle into a twisted position.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Breaker bar
• Metric socket set
• Metric wrench set
• Torque wrench
• Ball joint separator (specialty)
• Pry bar
• Rubber mallet
• Penetrating oil
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

---

🔩 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
• Front lower control arm hardware kit - Qty: 2
• Wheel alignment - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the front lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle.
• Raise the front end and support it securely on jack stands.
• Remove both front wheels.
• Spray penetrating oil on the control arm bolts and ball joint area if rust is present.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the front wheels

• Use a lug wrench or the correct metric socket to loosen and remove the front wheel nuts.
• Set the wheels aside flat so they do not roll away.

Step 2: Disconnect the lower control arm from the steering knuckle

• Use the correct metric socket and metric wrench to remove the lower ball joint fastener at the knuckle.
• Use a ball joint separator (specialty) if the taper is stuck.
• Support the knuckle so it does not pull on the brake hose or ABS wire.
• Torque to factory specification during reassembly.

Step 3: Remove the control arm rear and front mounting bolts

• Use the correct metric socket and breaker bar to remove the control arm mounting bolts.
• If the arm is tight in the subframe, use a pry bar carefully to shift it free.
• Remove the control arm from the vehicle.
• Torque to factory specification on installation.

Step 4: Install the new control arm

• Position the new control arm in the subframe by hand.
• Start all bolts by hand first using the correct metric socket and metric wrench.
• Do not fully tighten the mounting bolts yet if the suspension is hanging.
• Make sure the ball joint stud seats correctly in the knuckle.

Step 5: Reconnect the ball joint to the knuckle

• Use the correct metric socket and metric wrench to install the ball joint fastener.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten it to factory specification.
• Keep the knuckle centered.

Step 6: Tighten the control arm bolts at ride height

• Raise the lower suspension with a floor jack under the knuckle or lower arm until the vehicle sits at normal ride height.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the control arm mounting bolts to factory specification.
• This prevents the rubber bushings from being preloaded and failing early.

Step 7: Reinstall the wheels and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle to the ground.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to factory specification in a star pattern.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock to check for binding or noise.
• Inspect both sides for loose hardware, torn boots, or interference.
• Schedule a front wheel alignment right away.
• Test drive slowly at first and listen for clunks or pulling.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $800-$1,400 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $220-$520 (parts only)

You Save: $580-$880 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 hours.

---

🎯 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.