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Pontiac Tempest Control Arm Shaft Kits

Pontiac Tempest Control arm shaft kits

Control arm shaft kits for your Pontiac Tempest start at low prices. We carry multiple kits from top OE-quality brands. The control arm shaft is the threaded bolt and hardware assembly that pivots the control arm through its bushing, linking the suspension to the subframe. When it wears or corrodes, the bushing loosens, alignment shifts, and handling becomes unpredictable.

Signs your Pontiac Tempest needs a new control arm shaft kit

  • Clunking or knocking noise from the front suspension over bumps or during slow-speed turns
  • Steering pulls to one side consistently, even on a flat, straight road
  • Uneven or accelerated tire wear across the tread, particularly on the inner or outer edges
  • Vibration felt through the steering wheel at highway speeds that worsens on rough pavement
  • Visible rust, corrosion, or physical damage on the shaft bolt when inspected from underneath
  • Alignment settings that cannot be brought into spec or drift out of spec quickly after adjustment

Which control arm shaft kit should you buy for your Pontiac Tempest?

The most important decisions are whether the kit matches your control arm position (upper or lower, front or rear) and whether the hardware grade suits your use case. Some kits include only the shaft bolt and nut; others bundle new washers, sleeves, and eccentric cam bolts used for alignment adjustment. Confirm what your specific application requires before ordering.

OE-Replacement Grade
Best for
Daily drivers that need a direct, trouble-free swap
What you get
Shaft bolt, nut, and washers matching original specifications and corrosion coating
Heavy-Duty / High-Strength
Best for
Trucks, SUVs, or vehicles used for towing and off-road driving
What you get
Upgraded bolt material rated for higher load cycles, often with thicker hardware
Alignment Cam Kit
Best for
Vehicles where the shaft doubles as a caster or camber adjustment point
What you get
Eccentric cam bolt and plate that allow fine alignment tuning during installation
Complete Hardware Kit
Best for
High-mileage vehicles or full suspension rebuilds
What you get
Full set including shaft, nut, cam, sleeve, and all washers so no hardware is reused

Replacing a control arm shaft kit on a Pontiac Tempest

Moderate⏱ 1–2 hours per sideFloor jack and jack standsBreaker bar or impact wrenchSocket and wrench set (metric and SAE)Penetrating oil (for corroded hardware)Torque wrench

Raise and support the vehicle safely, then remove the wheel to access the control arm. Soak the existing shaft bolt with penetrating oil well in advance, as corrosion often makes removal the hardest part of the job. Install the new shaft kit with all supplied hardware, snug fasteners with the suspension at ride height to avoid bushing preload issues, and torque to the manufacturer's specification before scheduling a wheel alignment.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace control arm shaft kits on a Pontiac Tempest?
Parts start at low prices for a Pontiac Tempest control arm shaft kit. A shop will typically add one to two hours of labor on top of the part cost, plus a wheel alignment fee, since disturbing the control arm almost always requires realigning the vehicle afterward. Doing it yourself keeps the total cost closest to the part price alone.
Can I drive my Pontiac Tempest with a worn control arm shaft?
Short distances at low speed may be unavoidable, but continued driving is not recommended. A worn or loose control arm shaft allows the control arm to shift under load, which changes toe and camber unpredictably. This accelerates tire wear, strains other suspension components, and in severe cases can cause sudden loss of steering control.
Do I need to replace the control arm bushing when I replace the shaft kit?
Inspect the bushing closely before reinstalling. If the shaft has been loose or corroded for any length of time, the bushing bore is often wallowed out or the rubber is cracked. Replacing both together is cheaper than pulling the suspension apart a second time, and it ensures the new shaft has a solid, correctly-sized surface to bear against.
Does replacing a control arm shaft kit require a wheel alignment?
Yes, in almost every case. The control arm shaft sets the pivot axis of the arm, and disturbing it changes camber and caster. Even if you mark the original position carefully, a professional alignment is the only way to confirm the geometry is correct. Skipping the alignment risks uneven tire wear and handling problems immediately after the repair.
What causes control arm shaft kits to fail on a Pontiac Tempest?
Corrosion is the leading cause, particularly in regions where road salt is used. The shaft bolt sits in a steel or rubber bushing and is exposed to water and debris. Over time the bolt surface corrodes, the bushing material deteriorates around it, and the assembly develops play. Impact from potholes or curb strikes can also bend or crack the shaft directly.
How do I know if the shaft kit I'm ordering fits my Pontiac Tempest?
Use the year, make, model, and trim fields at checkout to filter fitment. Also confirm whether you need an upper or lower arm shaft and the front or rear axle position, since these are not interchangeable. When in doubt, cross-reference the part number against your vehicle's existing bolt diameter, thread pitch, and overall length before installing.

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