GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 43631 Ball Joint Remover

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  3. Remove the air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement .
  4. Remove the shock module yoke from the lower control arm. Refer to Front Shock Absorber Yoke Replacement .

  5. Object Number: 874634  Size: SH

    Notice: The ball stud must not rotate during disassembly or reassembly. Hand tools must be used to keep the ball stud from rotating. If air tools are used and the stud is allowed to rotate, damage to the ball stud and/or stud mounting hole may occur.

  6. Remove the stabilizer shaft link lower retaining nut.
  7. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm.
  8. Remove the ABS wire harness from the lower control arm.

  9. Object Number: 1209265  Size: SH
  10. Remove the lower control arm to steering knuckle nut.

  11. Object Number: 752181  Size: SH
  12. Using the J 43631 , separate the lower control arm from the steering knuckle.
  13. Important: Will need to raise the power steering gear to have clearance when removing the rear lower control arm to frame retaining bolt.


    Object Number: 874631  Size: SH
  14. Loosen the power steering gear retaining bolts and raise the power steering gear.

  15. Object Number: 744325  Size: SH
  16. Remove the lower control arm to cradle nuts.
  17. Remove the lower control arm to cradle bolts.
  18. Remove the lower control arm by lowering the lower control arm at the frame and moving the ball stud upwards.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 744325  Size: SH
  1. Install the lower control arm by installing the lower control arm on the ball stud and moving the lower control arm up to the cradle.
  2. Install the lower control arm to cradle bolts.
  3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  4. Install the lower control arm to cradle nuts.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 135 N·m (96 lb ft).


    Object Number: 874631  Size: SH
  6. Tighten the power steering gear retaining bolts.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 120 N·m (89 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1209265  Size: SH
  8. Install the lower control arm to steering knuckle nut.
  9. Tighten

    1. Tighten the nut to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).
    2. Tighten the nut to an additional 210 degrees.
  10. Install the ABS wire harness to the lower control arm.

  11. Object Number: 874634  Size: SH
  12. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm.
  13. Install the stabilizer shaft link lower retaining nut.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

  15. Install the shock module yoke to the lower control arm. Refer to Front Shock Absorber Yoke Replacement .
  16. Install the air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement .
  17. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  18. Lower the vehicle.
  19. Align the front end. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement .