How to Replace an Upper Control Arm

No video

How to Replace an Upper Control Arm

Рет қаралды 702,067

Күн бұрын

Upper Control Arm Replacement. Learn how to replace the Upper Control Arm on a Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, etc. Replacing an upper control tarm is pretty straight forward and This job is fast/easy and can be done with basic hand tools.
How to Replace Sway Bar End Links (Trailblazer): • How to Replace Sway Ba...
How to Replace Upper Ball Joint (Trailblazer): • How to Replace an Uppe...
How to Replace a Ford Upper Control Arm: • How to Replace a Contr...
The Part Website: www.mevotech.co...
*If the video was helpful, remember to give it a "thumbs up" and consider subscribing. New videos every Thursday*
-Website: www.ChrisFixed...
-Facebook: / chrisfix8
-Twitter: / chrisfixed
-Instagram: / chrisfixit
-Subscribe Here: www.youtube.com...
-KZfaq Channel: / chrisfix
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.

Пікірлер: 453

@stamatiosvlaseros9745 7 жыл бұрын

I actually have this exact car same exact year and was looking for suspension videos. Accidentally stumbled on this. Thanks dude.

@OverlandOne 9 жыл бұрын

Chris, your series of repair videos is the best I have ever seen. Very clear and informative and good clear video shots of everything we need to see. Your instructions are very complete and well spoken. 100% excellent job Sir. Thank you for taking the time to do these. You have helped me, and a lot of other people. Bill

@chrisfix 9 жыл бұрын

Pirate Labs Thanks a lot Bill! I am glad you like the videos and I appreciate the feedback! Definitely consider subscribing! New automotive "how to" videos every Thursday and most Mondays!

@OverlandOne 9 жыл бұрын

ChrisFix I subbed after watching the first vid. I have seen about 10 of them thus far. Keep up the great work. Bill

@chrisfix 9 жыл бұрын

Pirate Labs Awesome Bill! Welcome aboard and thanks a lot!

@isaacheiss7093 Жыл бұрын

I agree

@jia1424 5 ай бұрын

@PhilRuybal 5 жыл бұрын

Dude, you're a life saver! I'm a tech and ran into the issue with the front bolt coming out. You're the man!

@WesterlySunn 9 жыл бұрын

You make excellent how-to's. I just happen to be passing time doing 12 hour weekend shifts in a IT shop but as it happens I drive an '05 Trailblazer and I could totally do this with your instruction. Just wanted to recognize what a great job you do with these videos. Way to go, Man! btw... Subscribed! LOL!

@chrisfix 9 жыл бұрын

Westerly Sunn Thanks a lot man! I am glad you like the videos and you are subbed! New automotive 'how to' videos every Thursday and most Mondays so stay tuned!

@TheRealCoachRegg 7 жыл бұрын

ChrisFix and

@373commanderEd 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris. Video helped me save money and do the job and spend time with my oldest son.

@chrisfix 7 жыл бұрын

That is awesome!

@intimidator4x4 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. A piece of advice. Place floor Jack under the lower control arm so the weight if the vehicle is on it. Then you can tighten the bolts without the tire in the way.

@petemoonwolf6762 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Chris Fix, I just wanted to thanks for this video. After watching this, I was able to replace both left and right upper control arms on my 06 Trailblazer. I started with the left side first since you mentioned that was the hardest side. You weren't kidding. lol The right side didn't take long at all. Anyway, thanks again. Now I need to take it in for a wheel alignment...

@blainemeyer 2 жыл бұрын

Damn engineering!! Dude seriously, there’s a reason you have over 8m subscribers, you have the best how to diy channel I’ve ever laid eyes on. I literally watch your channel everyday to learn more info.

@ineedfiles 6 жыл бұрын

I can't lie.. I grabbed everything you said to get and got ready. when I went to dremel the metal down, my battery died and did no damage at all, so I just bent the metal a little and cranked the bolt out with some vice grips when I couldn't put my wrench on it any more. when I tried to put it back together the sheet metal was in the way and my ryobi grinder didn't do any damage whatsoever to the sheet metal, so with the control arm out the way I was able to grab the sheet metal with my vice grips and I just bent the heck out of it so the bolt slid in perfectly. Thank you for the awesome video!

@JC021963 3 жыл бұрын

That 21mm is also a 13/16 for all you guys with SAE tools.

@BeachCountry 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Chris Fix. I was looking for a video on how to replace the driver side control arm. Cutting that little part of the fender helped me. Thank you for your video.

@BGKchris Жыл бұрын

I know this is an old video but i been watching forever as a ghost an subbed prolly 4 months ago an i just replaced my upper control arm all by myself thanks to you an my name is chris so much LOVE

@chrisfix Жыл бұрын

Awesome!!!!!

@joneslarry2168 6 жыл бұрын

Great vid Chris! I used a plastic water bottle to push the wiring back in side the wheel well and from inside of the wheel well (tire Removed) sawzalled 2 one inch long horizontal cuts an inch or so above and below the drivers side forward bolt. A coupe good whacks with a 2 foot long punch and ball peen from inside under hood gave me enough clearance to easily remove the bolt. I also chucked the old control arm in a vice and sawzalled it in half right next to the ABS wire retaining clip. It only took a minute with a sharp blade and the clip slides right out undamaged for reuse. Keep up the great Vids!

@MrRightNow 3 жыл бұрын

No need to dremel the body, just keep backing the screw and it will bend it a little and pass right through. Just did that today and saved myself the extra hassle of having to cut the frame..

@terencedawson3142 3 жыл бұрын

I’m about to do my ‘07 now. Gonna try it without cutting first.

@MrRightNow 3 жыл бұрын

@@terencedawson3142 yep, just back it out, you might need to use pliers to back it all the way and then wiggle the control arm so it will give you the right angle to take it out. Was easy as a piece of cake.

@RoundTownWithMike 5 жыл бұрын

Pretty sneaky putting blue loc-tite in a red bottle!

@timgiles9413 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks ChrisFix, now I want to go outside and rebuild my entire front suspension. :) She's a 2004 Chevy TB 4X4 with 200,000 miles so it probably needs it done anyway. It's a great vehicle for my needs. Thanks for the awesome videos. :)

@chrisfix 3 жыл бұрын

Those are awesome cars! Thanks a lot!

@timgiles9413 3 жыл бұрын

@@chrisfix I bought this TB used 6 months ago for $1,400 because the body is in great shape, looks good and it ran okay and everything worked as designed. I have replaced exhaust doughnut at end of header, replaced both O2 sensors, 6 (re-engineered coil packs), 6 spark plugs, cam sensor, cam actuator and cleaned the throttle body and replaced the TB O-ring as well, fuel filter, air filter and fresh oil change. Running Lucas fuel treatment and added a bottle or two of dry gas. Replaced LF wheel bearing (ABS), all rotors and pads, replaced brake fluid. Changed trans and PS to Mobil Dexron VI fluid. Sounds like a lot of problems/cost but not compared to a car payment and everything was easy to repair. I have around $2,000 in it now but I wouldn't sell it for $6,000. Now, I need to work on my suspension. Then I wouldn't sell it for 10K. :) Keep up the videos, God Bless.

@paulisings7650 9 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I am 75 years old, female. Worked on my vehicles since I was about 18. Your vids clear my mind on the newer, electronic vehicles. My vehicle has been vandalized. I needed to know if the control arm bolt could work it's way out about a half inch by itself.

@chrisfix 9 жыл бұрын

Pauli Sings I am glad the video was helpful. Your control arm bolt could potentially loosen by itself.

@dbirdez 2 жыл бұрын

Love your videos Chris, I set out to do my sons Trailblazer and realized you can just loosen those bolts enough to clear the frame member and maneuver the arm out .JS ---- Thanks again.

@soyeux27 8 жыл бұрын

Extremely informative and useful well-paced video. You have rare teaching skills. Thanks, Chris.

@jesuscampa-qs2he Жыл бұрын

Hey Chris Thanks again for your informative videos been saving lots of labor doing the work myself Thanks again 😀

@elyyee5349 Жыл бұрын

I just got my upper control arms from Rock Auto for my 2002 Bravada and I'll be working on it tomorrow morning. Thanks for the video.

@kpvatgatt3997 2 жыл бұрын

It's 6 years later & this video is being put to use tomorrow morning . Thanks Chris for giving me the how to.

@floored3145 10 жыл бұрын

Dude, awesome video. I don't even need to fix anything and I just watched your whole video. Very informative and you get the best angles.

@chrisfix 10 жыл бұрын

jc86 Thanks a lot! Maybe you would consider fixing things on your car (or a friends) after watching some of my videos! It will feel amazing when you finish and you will save a ton!

@Mr2csphotos 4 жыл бұрын

Chris, you are the man!! Love how you give excellent tips and procedures for all your tutorials. I've been using your expertise for many years. You've save me sooo much money, and I'm simply a novice. Keep up the great work. It's much appreciated.

@israelrodriguez6986 5 жыл бұрын

Totally love that extension trick, thanks for sharing it with us!

@jackmendez8579 8 жыл бұрын

Damn those wily engineers.

@chrisfix 8 жыл бұрын

+Jack Mendez Yea it is crazy they designed it that way!

@labradormcgraw 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing photography. You just cannot beat a ChrisFix video.

@mauricemason482 6 жыл бұрын

always a pleasure to watch Chris Fix,good video,and no need for special tools ..money saver..

@rarespace123 3 жыл бұрын

Just replaced the whole front on my trailblazer. Upper ball joints, lower ball joints, lower control arm, inner tie rods, outer tie rods, sway bar end links, upper control arms.

@4tcobb 3 ай бұрын

excelllent, thanks for doing the more difficult side so we can see what is required

@henryreyes9395 5 жыл бұрын

The best Master teacher.Thanks.God bless you.

@rexanderson5458 5 жыл бұрын

When using control arm bushing tool sets, make sure you put a spacer between the arm U frame. If you don't, it'll bend the arm. You have to adjust the arm for the bushings to fit the frame. This is on other type arms.

@timothyjacobs67 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your video, the bolt clearance to pass the inner fender is what stopped this project until I watched your video thank you again.............

@juanflowers13 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip pertaining to using a Dremel to make a cut out for making it easier to remove/install the front bolt. Again, I truly appreciated this video on how to complete this task. Straight goodness!

@therobnoble Жыл бұрын

And my 2004 Trailblazer sounds normal again. Thank you very much for this video bro!

@pjanoo6973 7 жыл бұрын

Didn't know that wrench breaker bar tip. That'll help so much,Thanks!

@chrisfix 7 жыл бұрын

Glad the tip was helpful!

@John_Ridley 4 жыл бұрын

Where Chris was out of blue loctite I was reminded of the Red Green episode "No Duct Tape" - PANIC!

@Longbow06 8 жыл бұрын

Hey Chris, you can add the Saab 9-7x to the list of applicable vehicles. It is the same platform from GM just has some minor sheet metal differences and a Saab badge. Great video, very helpful.

@robertbradford4915 5 жыл бұрын

Very Well done love the knowledge on clearance on Driver Side finder...Saves some DIYers lots of headache. Again Thank You!.

@richardrosa6173 4 жыл бұрын

You nvr mentioned torquing the bolts

@richardrosa6173 4 жыл бұрын

Yes you did sorry

@turo669 Жыл бұрын

Instead of using a Dremel (I don’t have one) I had to take the battery and tray out and sawzall the actual steel part of the car. After that I was golden. The rear part/plastic is real stubborn

@petemoonwolf6762 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the lesson. I was planning on paying a mechanic to do this, but after watching your video, the only money I'm going to spend for a mechanic is for a wheel alignment after I install the new uppers on my 06 Trailblazer...

@phinitcheamak8143 4 жыл бұрын

you are the best teacher youtube whole planet

@hungdang1312 6 жыл бұрын

It is so entertaining watching your videos. Nice work Chris! You really inspire us.

@gergemall 3 жыл бұрын

Thx Chris. Hope all is well .

@stevenizbicki3809 8 жыл бұрын

Great videos ChrisFix, you are a great teacher

@chrisfix 8 жыл бұрын

+Steven Izbicki Thanks a lot Steven!

@lehcie9 7 жыл бұрын

Just finished replacing my ball joint and control arm. Very easy thanks to ur video. Ty

@bestbuildpc 9 жыл бұрын

You show us how genius you are!!! I've been learning a lot from your experiences and tricks. U rock!!

@chrisfix 9 жыл бұрын

BestBuildPC Power of imagination Thanks a lot! Glad you are learning a lot, that is the goal! New videos every Thursday and a bonus video on most Mondays!

@peesmkr 3 жыл бұрын

I never had to cut anything. All I had to do was gently pry the panel out and remove the bolt other than that it was very easy !

@intimidator4x4 2 жыл бұрын

When you say pry it out. To the outside or inside?

@artfisher1235 3 жыл бұрын

Chris great warnings about not stripping the control arm bolt heads and not marring the surfaces of the bolt where the new control arm bushing will sit. Betcha the best way to get more torque on that bolt is to put a vice grip on the round part of the head - who cares if you bugger that part up?

@isntthatshameful1267 3 жыл бұрын

I've seen this a yr. Ago. Always entertaining. Go too Chris

@JorgeMoreno-bm2oz 10 ай бұрын

Great video, thanks. I found out that a 13/16 fits more snug than a 21mm

@cindyhacken7500 8 жыл бұрын

Extremely informative video! Thank you for adding clarification to this job...I was stuck while doing mine...but you bailed me out! Thank you!

@3800scgp 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks... tackling this job on my '05 this weekend. Not because of bad bushings (I'm sure they are shot though) , but the pass side rotted through and snapped near the rear bolt recently! Roughly 134k miles on it, don't know if the UCA's have ever been done though.

@ainstaink8312 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! This is one of those GM dumb designs where you have to cut the body to replace what is considered servicable idem.

@SurferJoe46 4 жыл бұрын

Actually --- not a bad video. I learned that there are no adjustments on the upper control arms. That's news to me as I retired before these vehicles came into my shop.

@RustyRaceHorse 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you Chris. Your saving me a lot of money ! The blinker fluid thing threw me for a loop though.

@bufus2997 2 жыл бұрын

Great detail in this video. Thanks for the help!

@nybajan 9 жыл бұрын

Excellent video Chris. They get better and better.

@chrisfix 9 жыл бұрын

nybajan Thanks a lot man! I appreciate it!

@davidpolivaev1303 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for explaining the whole process in great detail! 👍🏼

@chupacabra6218 Жыл бұрын

Again here iam watching this video, really Good man, even more Cuz you had this trailblazer for me see how do that, I didn’t remember last time i watched, i just was doing yesterday this exactly same side, i just bended that frame part to used drinking tool. When i had it tightened at first i felt like it wasn’t right, cuz I remembered when loosing the ball joint bolt and hitting it up the control arm went up like if was a spring on tension so i loosened it again and Dropped the car before tightening it again. Could be also unconscious memory of your video last time i watched. Iam fed up of this trailblazer but is actually not bad car, the issues is known by many so easy on diagnostics, the front differential is horrible design and yeah the Engineers or were drunk, completed their degrees with real bad grades or was sabotaging the company, maybe was their last day working on chevy and was a friday. Is nice ridin car still. For the ones who doesn’t live in snowee winters could just deactivate mechanically the front diferential

@TTURBOVOLVO 6 жыл бұрын

I like this, you sound much more relaxed here. Thanks for the video

@chrisnavarro2362 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks chris this helped but re-watched like 20 times as i went through the steps lol but it worked. I just had trouble putting the second bolt no matter witch side i did first but then i found a way. I did the passenger side but soon i will have to do the driver side. Fml Again thanks your explanations are detailed!

@mactheknife801 10 жыл бұрын

Don't even own a chevy, but you make good videos! Good job man.

@chrisfix 10 жыл бұрын

mactheknife801 Haha, thanks a lot man! I really appreciate it!

@isaacheiss7093 Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@lindarigsbeeauthor8343 7 жыл бұрын

Excellent tutelage! I know didly-squat about cars and it was all clear to me.

@pod9363 5 жыл бұрын

Good tip for torquing these on a Honda, get them super tight with load, remove wheel and strut, and get a torque wrench up there with the strut removed!

@joemackie5421 6 жыл бұрын

You are a great teacher. Very, very helpful video.

@D.Edward 3 жыл бұрын

IF YOUR JACK STAND IS UNDER THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND THE WHEEL WAS LIFTED JUST OFF THE GROUND, (about an inch, at the most!), WHEN YOU LIFTED THE VEHICLE. YOU DON'T NEED TO PUT THE WHEEL BACK ON WHEN YOU TORQUE THE UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS..........."cheers!"

@dvdmrrs2 5 жыл бұрын

I did this with my 06 trailblazer. It sucked, but the part bought was a tad too tight and it was a fight to get on. I also swapped the engine on this truck and that was a job.

@MBrown-to6xw 3 жыл бұрын

Your a great teacher

@airassault-rakkasan3187 5 жыл бұрын

Oh and I subscribed after watching this. Keep ‘em coming sir.

@texasdillo 4 жыл бұрын

Right to the point and explained everything. Good job.

@RonHelton 9 жыл бұрын

You are an excellent teacher! Wonderful videos!

@chrisfix 9 жыл бұрын

Ron Helton Thanks Ron. I appreciate the feedback! Definitely consider subscribing! New automotive 'how to' videos every Thursday and most Mondays!

@SM-yq1dr 2 жыл бұрын

Goodness is the bolts that hard to get to on an 08 Sierra? Lol. I was just told our truck needs both upper controls, and a lower ball. And they want almost 800 for that and an alignment. I'm like holy heck, we got a shade tree how hard is it. Lol. Love your videos. Thank you.

@TralfazConstruction 4 жыл бұрын

If you have led an exemplary life the bolts will _not_ be frozen inside of the bushing sleeve.

@jeff3741 8 жыл бұрын

I had to cut a hole in the wheel well of my fiat x-19 to change the alternator. Thanks for the video!

@chrisfix 8 жыл бұрын

+J Babb That is crazy! Makes you wonder what the engineers are thinking sometimes!

@michaelquick8114 9 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the videos. I am impressed with how you provide in-depth info.

@chrisfix 9 жыл бұрын

Michael Quick Thanks Michael! I am glad my videos impressed you! I do my best to provide the best information in a clear, concise manner!

@michaelquick8114 9 жыл бұрын

Again thanks your videos have helped a lot with the Isuzu I am working on

@jackavis5538 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris. Nice and clear instructional video, time to give a go... on my SSR control arm and setup looks very similar.

@paulsundquist8752 2 жыл бұрын

When I first examined my 06 TBlazer, I swore "surely they would never put the Fender metal in the way like that". This was back before I was fully aware of the evils of automotive design engineers

@Jedi_Luke 5 жыл бұрын

Great vid. This is prime example of why I only work on American cars, but I never buy them 🤣

@truthtimetv4575 4 жыл бұрын

Jedi Luke 22 what in the hell are you talking about anything imported is 100x worse then american. This is just a one off old design body on frame suv.

@celb7897 3 жыл бұрын

Goood job, great, detailed video. Thanks alot. I cant say more bout how your detailed information makes this video perfect!!

@gerardorenteria6640 9 жыл бұрын

Great video. I just ordered both control arms for my Envoy and plan to replace them next weekend. Might have to do the ball-joints too. We'll see. Thanks.

@chrisfix 9 жыл бұрын

+Gerardo Renteria Great! Good luck!

@tommygunn3731 6 жыл бұрын

Good video. I replace the bushings n never had to cut the body to get the bolt out. Bushings are $20 for set n then just knowledge n know how from there. 👍

@chrisfix 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome

@mikeroberts5646 5 жыл бұрын

I,m impressed,very good explanation

@airassault-rakkasan3187 5 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video. Detailed info, thank you.

@rubenaranda2672 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Very informative.

@EminHVAC 10 жыл бұрын

Mr. Chris Fix another excellent video brother. thank you for including the field tricks. good video

@chrisfix 10 жыл бұрын

Emin HVAC Thanks a lot man! As usual, I appreciate the feedback!

@billro6665 7 жыл бұрын

Good job you explain things very well. Thanks.

@RR-xg1cm 2 жыл бұрын

Regarding the part of drivers side fender metal that requires trimming/bending...seems to me GM spot welded that section ONTO the fender just to get in the way. Take a close look at it under the hood.

@Aisling15 7 жыл бұрын

Chris you're videos are awesome! I was curious why you changed the entire control arm and not just the bushings? Is that not an option on this car? Or was it just easier?

@aaronlee3233 3 жыл бұрын

Dude it woukd be waaay more difficult to get new bushings in the old control arm.... They come installed in the new ones... Easy choice

@samconley23 5 жыл бұрын

Does this part make a rattling noise when it goes bad? I have a 03 Envoy that’s making a rattling noise when I drive over bumps or uneven road.

@josearellano3268 7 жыл бұрын

YOUR VIDEO HELPED OUT A LOT... THANK YOU...

@chrisfix 7 жыл бұрын

I am glad the video was helpful!

@fewcarsgarage 7 жыл бұрын

Hey quick question. I hit my IS350 on a curb (I was being stupid) I lost control and hit it sideways at about 30mph. There is not vibration at all but there is a faint sound coming from the wheel that hit the curb first (rear wheel passenger side) because I hit the front wheel of the passenger side as well but not as bad. That is it, just a small whobbling sound but the car drives like it always did. Bearing? Control arm? knuckle? what else could be the reason for the sound? The car is AWD. I would appreciate your opinion.

@pinachosaul7737 5 жыл бұрын

You are the men excellent video I really appreciate what you do for us you are a big help God bless you and keep doing those videos thanks

@andrewford7479 5 жыл бұрын

Hey Chris, I’ve heard multiple conflicting methods. Should you jack up from the lower control arm for loaded suspension or by the body? Love your videos

@terencedawson3142 3 жыл бұрын

I just read in the Haynes manual for the TB that you jack up a little under the lower control arm ball joint to take a little pressure off the spring then install and torque the new control arm and pinch bolt back into place. I like Chris’ suggestion. It’s old school.

@fernandomunoz8099 4 жыл бұрын

Best video I ever see great job Thanks

@mangbaite4203 5 жыл бұрын

Chris, are you a trained mechanics or self train mechanic like me by watching your videos? thanks bro, what you turn me into .

@DBZLEGENDS 8 жыл бұрын

take out the right side bolt 1st then snap off the left side nut then slide it out. only on drivers side. then use pressure to put the welded nut back on