GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1998 🢒 Prizm 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Rear Suspension 🢒 Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Important: The gas tank and the rear suspension trailing arms interfere with the access to the rear suspension front lower control arm bolts. In order to remove the rear suspension front lower arm, separate the trailing arm from the knuckle, and lower the rear suspension crossmember. Refer to Crossmember Replacement . In order to remove the rear suspension rear lower control arm, continue with this procedure.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

    2. Object Number: 238002 Size: SH
  2. Remove the following components in order to remove the rear suspension rear lower control arm (2):
    3. • The 2 nuts
    • The 3 washers
    • The rear suspension rear lower control arm
  3. Use paint in order to place match marks on the following components:
    4. • The inner rear control arm end
    • The inner lock nut
    • The rear control arm adjuster
    • The outer lock nut
    • The outer rear control arm end
  4. Loosen the 2 lock nuts.
  5. Separate the following components:
    6. • The inner rear control arm end
    • The inner lock nut
    • The rear control arm adjuster
    • The outer lock nut
    • The outer rear control arm end

Installation Procedure

    Important: In order to install the rear suspension front lower control arm, refer to Crossmember Replacement . In order to install the rear suspension rear lower control arm, continue with this procedure.

  1. If you are replacing the rear suspension rear lower control arm, use paint in order to place match marks on the new rear lower control arm in the same locations as on the old rear lower control arm.
  2. Connect the following components, aligning the match marks:
    3. • The inner rear control arm end
    • The inner lock nut
    • The rear control arm adjuster
    • The outer lock nut
    • The outer rear control arm end

    Object Number: 238002 Size: SH

    Important: The weight of the vehicle must be on the tires and wheels before tightening the nuts or the bolts.

  3. Install the rear suspension rear lower control arm (2) to the rear suspension crossmember using 3 washers.

    4. Secure the rear suspension rear lower control arm with 2 nuts.

  4. Lower the vehicle.
  5. Move the vehicle to a drive-on lift or an alignment rack.
  6. Stabilize the suspension by bouncing the vehicle up and down several times in order to allow the suspension to settle.

    7. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  7. Tighten the rear suspension control arm nuts and bolts.

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts and the bolts to 125 N·m (89 lb ft).

  8. Measure the rear wheel alignment. Adjust as necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.
  9. Remove the vehicle from the alignment rack.