Lower control arm compatibility 1995 ETC

[GeoR96]

Ive been looking for a control arm for my 95 eldorado , but can only find then for 97-2002.

Is this year compatible with the 97-2002 eldorado or are there any other Cadillac models i.e seville and deville that share interchangeable suspension parts?

[Cadillac Jim]

There was a change in the front lower control arms for the 1997 model year. You can use the GM dealer online parts people to access the GM parts book, and some of them will give you the part number, which you can then check for models it will fit.

My favorite is GM Parts HQ:

http://gmpartsheadquarters.com/

Another good one is GM Parts Direct:

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/

Do a web search on "GM Parts" and you will get a list.

For some out-of-production parts, you can try several until you find one that still has the part. Or, you can search on the part number.

[rockfangd]

If it is the same as my 96 Deville I bid you good luck.

They are discontinued and not available aftermarket.

It is the strut rod type that goes through the subframe and has a nut on the end of the rod.

What is wrong with yours?

If you live in a decent area you may be able to get one used.

Do a search and I am sure you will find my detailed thread about them and how I fixed mine.

1997 changed everything. Not anywhere close in design

[barczy01]

Cadillacs Only

cadillacsonly.com

805-933-2400

[BodybyFisher]

Is this the control arm with the strut rod that connects to the front of the carriage with on bolt and bushing. The rod is riveted and can get loose. I got one for a member here named Regis. Is it this one? I replaced the bushing, ball joint and used poly bushing (blue) for the strut rod. If those rivets got loose, I would use hardened bolts, similar to the replacement ball joint bolts.

[Cadillac Jim]

I recall some time ago, BBF and I looking for that bushing in poly for my 1997 for a long time, and finally finding out that the 1997 did not use a bushing there, ergo the control arm changed.

I've been wondering how Regis is doing for awhile now.

[rockfangd]

The issue here in NY is that rust develops inside the bushings at the strut rod and it wears pencil thin til it breaks.

I tried to get used ones and they all had the same problem.

1997 stopped using the strut rod and went conventional.

Do a search for CONTROL ARM PROBLEM

I did a full thread on this in the general forum with pics of problem and repair

[BodybyFisher]

The issue here in NY is that rust develops inside the bushings at the strut rod and it wears pencil thin til it breaks.

I tried to get used ones and they all had the same problem.

1997 stopped using the strut rod and went conventional.

Do a search for CONTROL ARM PROBLEM

I did a full thread on this in the general forum with pics of problem and repair

YES, I forgot about that. If the bushings go bad it allows the bar to flop around accelerating that wear. My Deville really tightened up when I rebuilt my control arms. Regis had both problems, loose rivets and a bar that was worn thin. I sent him a new control arm from my scrap yard. I think he had a 94 ETC

I spoke to regis via PM about a year ago, he is good. Yes, Jim, the 97 is very different, a little like my 02 Monte Carlo but beefier.

[Cadillac Jim]

<offtopic>I hope Regis' 1994 ETC is doing as well as Regis is! </offtopic>

[BodybyFisher]

He sold his ETC and bought a Honda

[Logan]

It may sound extreme....but maybe it would be easier to find a engine cradle with the newer style arms? .....seems like all the holes would line up. Not that much more work to replace the cradle vs the arms.

[BodybyFisher]

Interesting idea Logan

[KHE]

He sold his ETC and bought a Honda

That's too bad. What a downgrade...

It may sound extreme....but maybe it would be easier to find a engine cradle with the newer style arms? .....seems like all the holes would line up. Not that much more work to replace the cradle vs the arms.

Replacing the cradle seems like a ton more work - the steering rack needs to be removed, the engine/trans would need to be supported and there is a possibility the cradle bolts would be seized in the gage nuts.

[BodybyFisher]

KHE, his 94 was rusting badly he lived in a heavy snow area syracuse and he had a baby, two doors are rough with a car seat. He needed a family car. He wasnt happy giving it up.

[rockfangd]

It may sound extreme....but maybe it would be easier to find a engine cradle with the newer style arms? .....seems like all the holes would line up. Not that much more work to replace the cradle vs the arms.

Swapping a cradle because of control arms sounds insane.

But I thought about it also.

I could not do that on my 96 due to the rust and the subframe bolts being seized. They wouldn't even budge. It was one of the reasons why I let it go when the torque converter went.

In a state that does not have rust issues a cradle replacement is not so bad but where I live it sucks.

I just replaced a subframe on a buick lesabre that fell out. Unfortunately it is extremely common around here. Nearly every one I see in the salvage yards had the same problem. It took me about 6 hours to swap the subframe and still have some welding to do so the last 2 bolts have something to bolt to.

Normally I would not have repaired one but the owner has sentimental value and I honor that

[Cadillac Jim]

He sold his ETC and bought a Honda

Oh. I hope he and his now-sold ETC are doing great, and that he is happy with his current ride. And, I would like to see his input here from time to time.

Regarding the subframe issue, it would seem to me that if the lower control arm is damaged due to rust, the subframe mounting bolts are likely to be a problem too. The path of least resistance would seem to be to use a recycling yard from outside the salt belt, such as the "Cadillacs Only" facility at barczy01's link, and get both lower control arms.

But only the car, the tech, and the owner know what's best, as rockfangd says.

[Logan]

Down south....we don't worry too much about salt issues.....

Such as...cradle bolts are a non-issue.....but rusted out control arms would also be....a non-issue.

The car is 20 years old. The problem is going to take care on its own with time. Not many mid '90s still on the road. Even down here.

[BodybyFisher]

Are you guys speaking about the 6 bolts at the corners of the carriage that are seizing up.

[Logan]

Yeah they are.....down here....rusted cradle bolts are a non issue. Pretty much any bolt is a non issue. It's a pure joy after growing up in Michigan and dealing with rusted bolts pretty much every repair.

That salt really tears it up.

Down here they don't rust away. It's either wrecked...hail damaged...flood...engine fire...overheated....trans...or some other major item pukes out.

[KHE]

Are you guys speaking about the 6 bolts at the corners of the carriage that are seizing up.

Yes. When I swapped the transmission in my '97, two of the six bolts loosened slightly, then the cage nuts spun in their carriers. I needed to heat one of them with a torch to remove it. I chased the threads and the bolts were liberally coated with anti-seize lubricant upon re-assembly.

[BodybyFisher]

WOW, I was unaware of that potential problem. I have gotten lucky.

[rockfangd]

You must have.

I am going to coat all 6 of mine on both of my caddys as the subframes have been removed on both of them.

[barczy01]

The subframes are actually pretty easy to drop on these cars. Control arms, rack and pinion stay with the cradle on 99 and prior cars. You can buy a support fixture at harbor freight pretty cheap.

[rockfangd]

easy unless you are in the salt belt.

I would still like to figure out why the original poster posted this. Maybe dead poster

[Regis]

Hello and it's been quite some time, hasn't it?  A question came up regarding the XT5 that my folks own and I remembered this caddyinfo site.  Made a quick visit and decided to see if my old login still worked. 

Regarding the 94 ETC, it was actually a 94 STS.  Everything else is accurate.  Sold it as a daily driver to a very happy customer.  To this day I still miss that caddy.  The honda pilot I bought after is gone as well.  The upper rear shock mount rusted away, making for a rollercoaster ride on the highway lol.  After a divorce that left me in a different financial position, I decided on a blk on blk subaru crosstrek limited (every bell and whistle available).  It's nowhere near a caddy, but I like it.  I realize that this thread is a few years old.  Hopefully some of the posters are still around.  Thanks for reading.