I dont think it was the mechanics, when i did the passenger side i used a press, couldnt get it straight, heated the A arm, THAT WAS NO HELP, pressed it in on a slight angle, then i pressed the part that was sticking out in, i think you got lucky with yours, my buddy has been working at Pontiac for 30 years, he has done quite a few, most of the time they are a bitch, i have the heavier 1 LE A Arms though.