GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 23742 Ball Joint Separator
    • J 24319-B Tie Rod End Puller
    • J 6627-A Wheel Stud Remover
  1. Raise the front of the vehicle.
  2. • Place safety stands under the front lift points.
    • Do not place floor stands under the lower control arms because spring tension is needed to assist in breaking loose the ball joint studs.
  3. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  4. Remove the brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement Disc Brakes.
  5. Remove the rotor. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .

  6. Object Number: 1840  Size: SH
  7. Remove the bolts that attach the splash shield to the knuckle.

  8. Object Number: 130903  Size: SH
  9. Remove the nut.
  10. Disconnect the tie rod end from the knuckle using the J 6627-A or J 24319-B .

  11. Object Number: 1842  Size: SH
  12. Remove the knuckle gasket if the knuckle is to be replaced. Do not damage the knuckle gasket.

  13. Object Number: 130899  Size: SH
  14. Remove the lower ball joint stud using the J 23742 .

  15. Object Number: 130902  Size: SH

    Caution: Floor jack must remain under the lower control arm during removal and installation to retain the lower control arm in position. Failure to do so could result in personal injury.

  16. Remove the upper ball joint stud from the knuckle using the J 23742 .
  17. 10.1. Position a floor jack under the lower control arm near the spring seat. Raise the jack until the jack supports the control arm.
    10.2. Raise the upper control arm. Disengage the ball joint stud from the knuckle.
  18. Remove the knuckle from the lower ball joint stud.
  19. 11.1. Clean the steering knuckle.
    11.2. Inspect the steering knuckle tapered hole. Replace the knuckle if this tapered hole is out-of-round, deformed, or damaged.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer

  1. Install the upper ball joint into the knuckle. Refer to Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .
  2. Install the lower ball joint into the knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .

  3. Object Number: 1842  Size: SH
  4. Install the knuckle gasket.

  5. Object Number: 1845  Size: SH
  6. Install the splash shield to the knuckle.
  7. 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.

  8. Install the bolts to the splash shield.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 26 N·m (19 lb ft).

    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.

  10. Install the tie rod end into the knuckle using the J 29193 .
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the J 29193 .

  12. Remove the tool.
  13. 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.

  14. Install the nut.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 53 N·m (39 lb ft).

  16. Install the rotor. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
  17. Adjust the wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearing Adjustment .
  18. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  19. Lower the vehicle.
  20. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.