GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 28467-A Engine Support Fixture
    • J 36226 Ball Joint Separator

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Support the engine with the J 28467-A .
  3. Remove the 2 bolts in order to retain the steering gear at the left side of the vehicle.
  4. Access the bolts through the engine compartment.

  5. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  6. Remove both of the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  7. Use the J 36226 in order to remove the ball joints from the steering knuckles.
  8. Remove the front air baffle. Refer to Wheelhouse Filler Replacement in Body Front End.
  9. Disconnect the power steering cooler lines from the engine frame.
  10. Remove the bolt in order to retain the steering gear at the right side of the vehicle.
  11. Support the engine with a suitable support.
  12. Remove the bolt in order to retain the front transaxle mount to the frame.
  13. Remove the bolts in order to retain the rear transaxle mount to the frame.
  14. Remove the 6 frame insulator bolts.
  15. Remove the lower engine frame.
  16. Remove the stabilizer shaft link.
  17. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement

  18. Remove the stabilizer shaft from the engine frame. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement
  19. Remove the bolts in order to retain the lower control arm to the frame.
  20. Remove the lower control arms from the frame.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

J 36226 Ball Joint Separator

  1. Install the lower control arms to the frame.
  2. Important: Apply vehicle weight to the front suspension before you fully tighten the lower control arm retaining bolts.

  3. Install the bolts in order to retain the lower control arm to the frame.
  4. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement
  5. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement
  6. Install the lower engine frame.
  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 6 frame insulator bolts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 192   (14 lb ft).

  10. Install the bolts in order to retain the rear transaxle mount to the frame.
  11. Install the bolts in order to retain the front transaxle mount to the frame.
  12. Support the engine with a suitable support.
  13. Install the bolt in order to retain the steering gear at the right side of the vehicle.
  14. Connect the power steering cooler lines to the engine frame.
  15. Install the front air baffle. Refer to Wheelhouse Filler Replacement in Body Front End.
  16. Use the J 36226 in order to install the ball joints to the steering knuckles.
  17. Install the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  18. Lower the vehicle.
  19. Install the 2 bolts in order to retain the steering gear at the left side of the vehicle.
  20. Access the bolts through the engine compartment.

  21. Connect the negative battery cable.