GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 43828 Ball Joint Separator

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .

  4. Object Number: 60247  Size: SH
  5. If removing the right lower control arm, remove the engine mount strut. Refer to Engine Mount Strut Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 2.2L (L61).

  6. Object Number: 490133  Size: SH
  7. If removing the left lower control arm, remove the front suspension support brace (3). Refer to Front Suspension Support Brace Replacement .
  8. Remove the wiring harness from the lower control arm.

  9. Object Number: 165249  Size: SH
  10. Remove the cotter pin (1) from the ball joint (3).
  11. Remove the lower control arm to steering knuckle nut.

  12. Object Number: 490085  Size: SH

    Notice: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use the recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.

  13. Using the J 43828 , separate the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle.

  14. Object Number: 491742  Size: SH
  15. Remove the lower control arm front (5) and the rear (4) mounting bolts.
  16. Remove the lower control arm (2) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 491742  Size: SH
  1. Install the control arm (2) into the front suspension crossmember (1).
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  3. Install the lower control arm front (5) and rear (4) mounting bolts. Hand tighten the mounting bolts.
  4. Tighten

        • Tighten the front bolt to 100 N·m (74 lb ft) plus 90 degrees.
        • Tighten the rear bolt to 170 N·m (125 lb ft).
  5. Connect the lower control arm stud to the steering knuckle.
  6. Install the lower control arm to steering knuckle ball stud nut.
  7. Tighten

    1. Tighten the nut to 59 N·m (43 lb ft) plus 180 degrees.
    2. Tighten the nut enough to line the nut slots with the hole in ball stud.
  8. Install a NEW cotter pin.
  9. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  10. Connect the wiring harness to the lower control arm.

  11. Object Number: 60247  Size: SH
  12. If installing the right lower control arm, install the engine mount strut. Refer to Engine Mount Strut Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 2.2L (L61).

  13. Object Number: 490133  Size: SH
  14. If installing the left lower control arm, install the front suspension support brace (3). Refer to Front Suspension Support Brace Replacement .
  15. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  16. Install the tire and the wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  17. Lower the vehicle.