GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 1998 🢒 Skylark 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Front Suspension 🢒 Front Suspension Crossmember Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Allow the suspension to freely hang. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. If the suspension contact hoist is used:
    3. • Place jack stands under uni-body frame near the suspension supports.
    • Lower the vehicle slightly so the weight of the vehicle rests on the under the uni-body frame and not on the control arms or the suspension supports.
  3. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.

    4. Object Number: 171133 Size: SH
  4. Remove the nut (4) attaching the stabilizer link (7) to the stabilizer shaft (1).
  5. Remove the nuts (9) attaching the stabilizer shaft clamp (2) to the suspension support.
  6. Separate the ball joint from the knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .

    7. Object Number: 207327 Size: SH
  7. Remove the bolts (2, 3, 5) attaching the suspension support (1) to the vehicle.
  8. Remove the bolts attaching the control arm to the suspension support (1).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 207327 Size: SH
  1. Place the control arm into position and loosely install the bolts attaching the control arm to the suspension support.
  2. Place the suspension support (1) into position, guiding the ball joint into the steering knuckle, and loosely install the bolts (2, 3, 5).

    3. Object Number: 171133 Size: SH

    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.

  3. Install the nuts (4) attaching the stabilizer shaft (1) to the stabilizer links (7).

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

  4. Install the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .

    5. Object Number: 207327 Size: SH
  5. Tighten the suspension support bolts -- the rear (2) first, the center (3) second, the front (5) third -- to specifications.

    6. Tighten

        • Tighten the center bolts first to 120 N·m (89 lb ft).
        • Tighten the front bolts second to 120 N·m (89 lb ft).
        • Tighten the rear bolts third to 120 N·m (89 lb ft).
  6. Install the front tire and the wheel assemblies. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  7. Tighten the control arm attaching bolts.

    8. Tighten

        • Tighten the control arm to the suspension support bolts (front bushing) 100 N·mplus 90° rotation (74 lb ft) plus 90° rotation.
        • Tighten the control arm to the suspension support bolts (rear vertical bushing) 170 N·m (125 lb ft).
  8. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.