Tools and Materials Needed:
- Jack and jack stands
- Chocks
- Socket set
- Open-end wrenches
- Pry bar
- Replacement lower control arm
- New bolts and nuts
- Grease
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
Step 1: Safety First
- Park your Buick Century on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
- Chock the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling.
- Engage the transmission (P for automatic or 1st gear for manual).
- Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself during the repair.
Step 2: Lift the Vehicle
- Position the jack under the vehicle's frame near the affected control arm.
- Raise the vehicle until the affected wheel is about 6 inches off the ground.
- Place jack stands under the vehicle's frame, making sure they are stable. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.
Step 3: Remove the Wheel
- Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the affected wheel.
- Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
Step 4: Disconnect Stabilizer Link
- Locate the stabilizer link connected between the control arm and the anti-roll (sway) bar.
- Unbolt the stabilizer link using the appropriate wrench or socket.
Step 5: Disconnect the Ball Joint
- The ball joint connects the control arm to the steering knuckle.
- Pry the dust cap off the ball joint using a pry bar.
- Use a wrench or socket to loosen and remove the nut holding the ball joint stud.
- Use the pry bar to pry the ball joint free from the steering knuckle.
Step 6: Remove Control Arm Bolts
- There are usually two bolts securing the control arm to the vehicle's frame.
- Use a socket and wrench to loosen and remove these bolts.
Step 7: Remove Control Arm
- With the bolts removed, you should now be able to detach the lower control arm from the frame.
- Gently pry it using the pry bar if needed.
Step 8: Install New Control Arm
- Align the replacement lower control arm with the frame and insert the control arm bolts.
- Hand-tighten the bolts.
- Torque the bolts to the specified tightness (check your vehicle's manual for torque specifications).
Step 9: Reconnect Ball Joint
- Align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle.
- Reinstall the ball joint nut and tighten it using a wrench or socket.
Step 10: Reconnect Stabilizer Link
- Reattach the stabilizer link to the control arm and anti-roll bar.
- Tighten the bolts to secure it.
Step 11: Reinstall Wheel
- Place the wheel back onto the vehicle's hub.
- Reinstall the lug nuts and tighten them by hand.
- Lower the vehicle to the ground, then tighten the lug nuts fully using the lug wrench.
Step 12: Lower the Vehicle and Check
- Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle completely.
- Check that all bolts and nuts are tight and secure.
- Test drive the vehicle to make sure the lower control arm is functioning correctly.
Step 13: Alignment Check
- After replacing the control arm, it's recommended to have the vehicle's alignment checked and adjusted if needed.
Replacing a lower control arm can be a challenging task, but with caution, patience, and the proper tools, you can complete the repair successfully. If you're uncomfortable performing this task, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or auto repair shop.
