GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 42188 Ball Joint Separator
    • J 33432-A Transverse Spring Remover

    Object Number: 65337  Size: SH
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Using the J 33432-A ,remove the front transverse spring. Refer to Front Transverse Spring Replacement .

  4. Object Number: 581404  Size: SH
  5. Disconnect the electrical connector from the wheel speed sensor.

  6. Object Number: 581266  Size: SH
  7. Disconnect the real time damping electrical connector from the shock, if equipped.

  8. Object Number: 65335  Size: SH
  9. Remove the shock absorber from the lower control arm.

  10. Object Number: 172678  Size: SH
  11. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm.

  12. Object Number: 168544  Size: SH
  13. Loosen the ball joint stud nut but do not remove the nut.

  14. Object Number: 340932  Size: SH
  15. Using J 42188 separate the lower ball joint stud from the steering knuckle.
  16. Remove J 42188 and the ball joint stud nut (2).
  17. Remove the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle.

  18. Object Number: 65339  Size: SH
  19. Mark the position of the cam bolts for orientation when installing.
  20. Remove the cam bolts, washers, and nuts retaining the control arm to the crossmember.
  21. Remove the lower control arm from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 65339  Size: SH
  1. Install the lower control arm to the vehicle.
  2. Install the cam bolts, washers, and nuts retaining control arm to the crossmember.

    • Place the cam bolts at the position marked during disassembly.
    • Due to a required wheel alignment, tighten the cam bolts but do not set to final torque specifications at this time.

    Object Number: 168544  Size: SH
  3. Support the lower control arm with a jackstand.
  4. Install the lower ball joint stud to the steering knuckle.
  5. 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.

  6. Install the lower control arm ball joint stud nut.
  7. It may be necessary to use an allen wrench to keep the ball joint stud from spinning while tightening the ball joint stud nut.

    Tighten

    1. Tighten the lower control arm ball joint stud nut to 20 N·m (15 lb ft) to seat the ball joint stud.
    2. Turn the ball joint stud nut an additional 210 degrees.
    3. Check the ball joint stud nut for a minimum final torque of 55 N·m (41 lb ft).

    Object Number: 172678  Size: SH
  8. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nut to 72 N·m (53 lb ft).


    Object Number: 65337  Size: SH
  10. Install the front transverse spring. Refer to Front Transverse Spring Replacement .
  11. Remove the spring compressor tool J 33432-A .

  12. Object Number: 65335  Size: SH
  13. Connect the shock absorber to the lower control arm.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the shock absorber lower mounting nuts to 28 N·m (21 lb ft).


    Object Number: 581266  Size: SH
  15. Connect the real time damping eletrical connector to the shock, if equipped.

  16. Object Number: 581404  Size: SH
  17. Connect the electrical connector to the wheel speed sensor.
  18. Remove the jackstands.
  19. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  20. Lower the vehicle.
  21. Perform a front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.
  22. Tighten
    Tighten the lower control arm cam bolt nuts to 170 N·m (125 lb ft).