OEM Upper Control Arm with Ball Joint for 2002-2009 Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Isuzu, Oldsmobile, & Saab - Front, Left (Driver)

What to look for when buying a front upper control arm with ball joint:

• Check the Ball Joint: Make sure it moves smoothly but isn't too loose.
• Inspect the Bushings: Look for cracks, tears, or excessive wear.
• Material Quality: The control arm should be made of strong steel.
• Corrosion Resistance: Look for a coating that protects against rust.

Quality Indicators:

• Smooth Ball Joint Movement: Not too tight, not too loose.
• Durable Bushings: Made of high-quality rubber or polyurethane.
• Strong Welds: If the control arm is welded, the welds should be clean and strong.
• Protective Coating: A good coating helps prevent rust and corrosion.

What's Included:

• The front upper control arm
• The ball joint (usually pre-installed)
• Sometimes new mounting hardware (nuts and bolts)

Difficulty: Medium

Estimated Time: 1-3 hours per side

Special Tools:

• Socket set
• Wrench set
• Ball joint separator (pickle fork or ball joint press)
• Torque wrench
• Jack and jack stands

Critical Steps and Tips:

1. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel.
2. Jack up the car and safely support it with jack stands.
3. Remove the wheel.
4. Disconnect the brake lines and ABS sensor wires from the control arm (be careful!).
5. Separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle using a ball joint separator.
6. Unbolt the control arm from the vehicle frame.
7. Install the new control arm in the reverse order.
8. Torque all bolts to the manufacturer's specifications.
9. Reattach the brake lines and ABS sensor wires.

DIY or Professional?

• This job can be done by a confident DIYer with the right tools.
• If you're not comfortable working on suspension components, it's best to have a professional install it.

When replacing your front upper control arm with ball joint, you have a couple of choices:

• Used OEM: These are genuine parts that came off the original vehicle. They're tested and inspected to ensure they're in good working condition. Used OEM parts offer great value.
• New Aftermarket: These are brand-new parts made by third-party manufacturers. They are designed to meet or exceed the original equipment specifications.

Used OEM:

• Pros: Genuine factory part, typically lower cost than new, guaranteed to fit.
• Cons: May have some wear and tear.

New Aftermarket:

• Pros: Brand new, readily available.
• Cons: Quality can vary between brands.

When replacing the front upper control arm with ball joint, consider these related parts:

• Lower Control Arm: If one control arm is worn, the other might be too.
• Sway Bar Links: These connect the sway bar to the control arm and can wear out.
• Shocks/Struts: Worn shocks can put extra stress on the control arms.
• Wheel Alignment: Always get a wheel alignment after replacing suspension parts.

Replacing these parts at the same time can prevent repeat failures and save you time and money in the long run.

A front upper control arm with ball joint typically lasts between 75,000 and 150,000 miles.

Factors that affect longevity:

• Driving Conditions: Rough roads and potholes can shorten the lifespan.
• Maintenance: Regular lubrication can help the ball joint last longer.
• Driving Habits: Aggressive driving can put extra stress on the suspension.
• Climate: Salt and road chemicals can cause corrosion.

Here's a general idea of what you can expect to pay:

• Used OEM: $50 - $150
• New Aftermarket: $75 - $250

Labor Cost:

• Professional installation can cost between $100 and $300 per side.

Total Job Cost:

• DIY: $50 - $250 (plus the cost of any tools you need)
• Professional: $150 - $550 per side

Some vehicles in this range (2002-2009 Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, & Isuzu) are known to have issues with premature ball joint wear. Regularly inspect the ball joints and control arms for any signs of damage or wear. Some models may have had Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued for suspension-related problems. Check with your mechanic or the vehicle manufacturer for any applicable TSBs.

After installing the new front upper control arm with ball joint, it's important to verify that it's working correctly:

• Test Drive: Drive the car at different speeds and listen for any unusual noises.
• Check Steering: Make sure the steering feels smooth and responsive.
• Inspect Tires: Look for any signs of uneven tire wear.
• Wheel Alignment: Get a wheel alignment to ensure proper handling and tire wear.

Listen for:

• No clunking or rattling sounds when going over bumps.
• No wandering or pulling to one side.

Q: How do I know if it's the control arm or just the ball joint that's bad?
A: If the ball joint is loose, but the control arm is in good condition, you might be able to replace just the ball joint (if it's a serviceable design). However, if the control arm is damaged or corroded, it's best to replace the entire assembly.

Q: Can I drive with a bad control arm?
A: It's not recommended. A bad control arm can affect your car's handling and braking, making it unsafe to drive. It can also cause further damage to other suspension components.

Q: How often should I grease the ball joint?
A: Some ball joints are sealed and don't require greasing. If your ball joint has a grease fitting, grease it every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, or as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Q: Will replacing the control arm fix my tire wear problem?
A: Replacing a worn control arm can help improve tire wear, but it's important to get a wheel alignment after installation to ensure proper tire wear.

Q: What happens if I don't get a wheel alignment after replacing the control arm?
A: Without a wheel alignment, your tires will wear unevenly, and your car may not handle properly. This can lead to premature tire wear and reduced fuel economy.

OEM Part Numbers:

• GM: 12472951, 15077244, 15080913, 15082974, 15093201, 15110013, 15110015, 15158962, 15245582, 15245584, 15298272, 15858682, 19330399, 25786774
• Isuzu: 8150932010, 8151100130, 8158586820, 8257867740

Fits Years: 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009