How to Replace an Upper Control Arm

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.
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The Part Website: www.mevotech.co...
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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.

[@stamatiosvlaseros9745]

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

[@isaacheiss7093]

Thanks!

[@OverlandOne]

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]

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]

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

[@chrisfix]

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

[@isaacheiss7093]

I agree

[@jia1424]

W

[@PhilRuybal]

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]

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]

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]

ChrisFix and

[@blainemeyer]

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.

[@petemoonwolf6762]

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...

[@ineedfiles]

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!

[@intimidator4x4]

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.

[@373commanderEd]

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

[@chrisfix]

That is awesome!

[@BeachCountry]

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]

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]

Awesome!!!!!

[@joneslarry2168]

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!

[@timgiles9413]

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]

Those are awesome cars! Thanks a lot!

[@timgiles9413]

@@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.

[@jesuscampa-qs2he]

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

[@dbirdez]

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.

[@elyyee5349]

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.

[@paulisings7650]

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]

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

[@kpvatgatt3997]

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

[@mauricemason482]

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

[@soyeux27]

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

[@juanflowers13]

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!

[@Mr2csphotos]

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.

[@floored3145]

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]

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!

[@MrRightNow]

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]

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

[@MrRightNow]

@@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.

[@therobnoble]

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

[@labradormcgraw]

Amazing photography. You just cannot beat a ChrisFix video.

[@timothyjacobs67]

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.............

[@4tcobb]

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

[@israelrodriguez6986]

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

[@JC021963]

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

[@RoundTownWithMike]

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

[@robertbradford4915]

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

[@richardrosa6173]

You nvr mentioned torquing the bolts

[@richardrosa6173]

Yes you did sorry

[@chupacabra6218]

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

[@hungdang1312]

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

[@rarespace123]

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.

[@bestbuildpc]

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

[@chrisfix]

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!

[@phinitcheamak8143]

you are the best teacher youtube whole planet

[@lehcie9]

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

[@isntthatshameful1267]

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

[@bufus2997]

Great detail in this video. Thanks for the help!

[@chrisnavarro2362]

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!

[@petemoonwolf6762]

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...

[@nybajan]

Excellent video Chris. They get better and better.

[@chrisfix]

nybajan Thanks a lot man! I appreciate it!

[@ainstaink8312]

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

[@SM-yq1dr]

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.

[@henryreyes9395]

The best Master teacher.Thanks.God bless you.

[@pjanoo6973]

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

[@chrisfix]

Glad the tip was helpful!

[@mactheknife801]

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

[@chrisfix]

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

[@gergemall]

Thx Chris. Hope all is well .

[@celb7897]

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

[@Longbow06]

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.

[@JorgeMoreno-bm2oz]

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

[@dvdmrrs2]

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.

[@lindarigsbeeauthor8343]

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

[@John_Ridley]

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

[@joemackie5421]

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

[@RustyRaceHorse]

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

[@artfisher1235]

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?

[@michaelquick8114]

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

[@chrisfix]

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]

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

[@cindyhacken7500]

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

[@davidpolivaev1303]

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

[@turo669]

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

[@3800scgp]

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.

[@texasdillo]

Right to the point and explained everything. Good job.

[@TTURBOVOLVO]

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

[@SurferJoe46]

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.

[@gerardorenteria6640]

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]

+Gerardo Renteria Great! Good luck!

[@jeff3741]

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

[@chrisfix]

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

[@kaktusjack1033]

your videos are awesome! and this one is no exception :-) pitty i can give only one thumbs up

[@chrisfix]

Kaktus Jack Thanks a lot man! I appreciate it! New automotive 'how to' videos every Thursday and most Mondays so stay tuned!

[@pod9363]

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!

[@airassault-rakkasan3187]

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

[@rexanderson5458]

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.

[@stevenizbicki3809]

Great videos ChrisFix, you are a great teacher

[@chrisfix]

+Steven Izbicki Thanks a lot Steven!

[@Jedi_Luke]

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

[@truthtimetv4575]

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.

[@MBrown-to6xw]

Your a great teacher

[@peesmkr]

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]

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

[@paulsundquist8752]

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

[@zx8401ztv]

Great job chris :-)), you made it look sooooo easy :-) Stupid manufacturers, clearance does matter, they want a kick in the butt lol. Im sorry to repeat myself but your so good at making excellent clarity videos, enough information to get the job done, plus great tips for difficult situations :-)) Shame you put that locktight on the bolt, i bet it was back out 10 mins later for the next video lol.

[@chrisfix]

zx8401ztv Haha thanks bud! I appreciate the feedback as always! I cant tell if it is clear or not because I knew exactly what I did, so having someone tell me it is clear and the tips are good is super helpful for each video! You know me too well! That bolt was out literally 10min later! The other video is going to be a fun one to edit. I took a break during the job to get lunch and run an errand and that just throws off my groove!

[@zx8401ztv]

ChrisFix I know what you mean, if your away too long then you have to think about what you did and what you need to do, and sometimes your not in quite the same mood as when you started, your momentum was stopped. Ive done that when ive been repairing a radio and halfway through the tuneup im dragged away, i come back and my short term "tune up memory" is blank, ill have to start again, dam!!

[@chrisfix]

zx8401ztv Exactly. It really throws ya off! But lets see if you can tell when I post it next Thursday!

[@josearellano3268]

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

[@chrisfix]

I am glad the video was helpful!

[@fewcarsgarage]

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.

[@fernandomunoz8099]

Best video I ever see great job Thanks

[@pinachosaul7737]

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

[@rubenaranda2672]

Excellent video. Very informative.

[@Texasmade84]

Mr. Chrisfix I have the same ride as this one here mines an 04 chevy trailblazer I noticed this video was uploaded 8 yrs ago by any chance would you be able to do a suspension rebuild on same vehicle from front to bk tho it would definitely help me in every way + save me $$$ I appreciate it. Take care

[@TralfazConstruction]

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

[@RonHelton]

You are an excellent teacher! Wonderful videos!

[@chrisfix]

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

[@samconley23]

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.

[@sovereignfreespirit]

Good kid very descriptive, Kudos! I used to run a garage and I'd hire'em.. (Thumbs up!)

[@jackmendez8579]

Damn those wily engineers.

[@chrisfix]

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

[@kemonary]

My bolts back out after 4 months of driving. You think I need to put some blue loctie . Greate video thanks ma n

[@tommygunn3731]

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]

Awesome

[@Jram1292]

Thank you so much! This video helped me out with the passenger side. I think I had more trouble trying to take the clip off the old control arm lol . So about the driver side is it the same situation for a 2006 ? (About trying to clear the bolt out) haven’t checked it out myself

[@7Days2Slay]

Because of you I believe I can do this myself. I dont have a ball joint press but I am getting in from Amazon. It is 100$ cheaper too! Would it be ok to do my upper arms and later do the ball joints when the press arrives?

[@brucito56]

Could you have accessed the bolt holding the upper control arm through the engine compartment by taking out the battery and battery tray?

[@mikeroberts5646]

I,m impressed,very good explanation

[@mangbaite4203]

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

[@sfbdh92]

thank you i can do this myself. local shop was expensive

[@joeandgod1]

This would be a good time to use ratcheting wrenches. You do an awesome job. Your taking over Eric the car guys spot.He' not making videos like he used to.

[@chrisfix]

joeandgod1 Thanks a lot man! I appreciate it! I actually say "if you have ratcheting wrenches, this would be a perfect time to use them" lol.

[@SilentServiceCode]

Eric's not bad. Maybe he isn't getting the work he used to. It's all his own vehicles he's making videos for these days.

[@chrisfix]

SilentServiceCode Eric is definitely not bad and he makes great videos! I am honored that my work is comparable to his work!

[@EminHVAC]

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

[@chrisfix]

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

[@elinconcluso]

how is that control arm doing ? still good? I am thinking on getting this brand. Thank you for the videos.