GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 6627-A Tie Rod/Wheel Stud Puller
    • J 36660-A Torque/Angle Meter
    • J 42089 Linkage Installer

Removal Procedure

Caution: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.

  1. Attach the engine support fixture at the engine lift points. Refer to

    Supporting Engine with J 28467-A


    Object Number: 143214  Size: SF
    .
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Remove the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  4. Remove the engine shield.

  5. Object Number: 143173  Size: SH
  6. Remove the wheel speed sensor from the strut assemblies.
  7. Remove the brake wear indicator wires from the strut assemblies.
  8. Remove the brake flex hose clips from the strut assemblies.
  9. Remove the hoses from the strut assemblies.

  10. Object Number: 143176  Size: SH
  11. Remove the wheel speed sensor bolts.
  12. Remove the wheel speed sensors.

  13. Object Number: 141943  Size: SH
  14. Remove the brake caliper assembly bolts from the steering knuckles.
  15. Important: Support the brake calipers. DO NOT allow the brake calipers to hang freely or damage may occur to the flex hose.

  16. Remove the brake calipers from the steering knuckles. Do not open the brake hydraulic system.

  17. Object Number: 143182  Size: SH
  18. Remove the outer tie rod nuts.
  19. Use J 6627-A to remove the outer tie rod ball studs from the steering knuckles.

  20. Object Number: 143189  Size: SH
  21. Remove the lower control arm ball stud pinch bolts (1).
  22. Remove the steering knuckles from the lower control arm ball studs.

  23. Object Number: 143217  Size: SH
  24. Remove the stabilizer shaft link nuts.
  25. Remove the stabilizer shaft links from the stabilizer shaft.

  26. Object Number: 143219  Size: SH
  27. Remove the engine mount nuts.

  28. Object Number: 143223  Size: SH
  29. Support the crossmember frame.
  30. Remove the engine front crossmember frame bolts.
  31. Lower the front crossmember frame.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 143226  Size: SH

    Important: Check that the radiator lower guide pins and check that the engine mounts are seated properly. Ensure that there are NO lines, wires, etc., pinched.

  1. Position the front crossmember frame.
  2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

    Important: Use new engine front crossmember frame bolts.

  3. Install the front crossmember frame bolts.
  4. Tighten

    1. UseJ 36660-A to tighten the four engine front crossmember frame to body bolts to 150 N·m (111 lb ft) + 37 degrees.
    2. Use the J 36660-A to tighten the engine front crossmember frame to the radiator support bolts to 65 N·m (48 lb ft) + 37 degrees.

    Object Number: 143219  Size: SH
  5. Install the engine mount nuts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the engine mount nuts to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).


    Object Number: 143217  Size: SH
  7. Install the stabilizer shaft links to the stabilizer shaft.
  8. Install the stabilizer shaft link nuts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nuts to 65 N·m (48 lb ft).


    Object Number: 143189  Size: SH
  10. Install the steering knuckles to the lower control arm ball studs.
  11. Install new lower control arm ball stud pinch bolts from the rear toward the front of the vehicle.
  12. Install the lower control arm ball stud pinch bolts (1).
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the lower control arm ball stud pinch bolts to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).

  14. Install the outer tie rods into the steering knuckles.
  15. Install the J 42089 to the tie rod ball studs.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the J 42089 to 30 N·m (22 lb ft) to allow the ball stud taper to seat.

  17. Remove the J 42089 from the tie rod ball studs.
  18. Important: Use new self-locking tie rod nuts.

  19. Install the outer tie rod nuts.
  20. Tighten
    Tighten the outer tie rod nuts to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).


    Object Number: 141943  Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Run a M12 x 1.5 tap through the holes for the brake caliper bolts to clean out the old locking compound.
       • Use new bolts for the brake caliper connection to the steering knuckle.
       • Coat the bolts with locking compound. Use GM P/N 12345493 Goodwrench 272 Threadlocker, or equivalent.

  21. Install the brake calipers to the steering knuckles.
  22. Tighten
    Use J 36660-A to tighten the brake caliper bolts to 95 N·m (70 lb ft) + 37 degrees.


    Object Number: 143173  Size: SH
  23. Install the wheel speed sensor wiring to the strut assemblies.
  24. Install the brake wear indicator wires to the strut assemblies.
  25. Install the brake hoses to the strut brackets with the clip.

  26. Object Number: 143176  Size: SH
  27. Install the wheel speed sensors.
  28. Install the wheel speed sensor bolts.
  29. Tighten
    Tighten the wheel speed sensor bolt to 8 N·m (71 lb in).

  30. Install the engine shield.
  31. Install the front tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  32. Lower the vehicle.
  33. Adjust the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.