GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

J 42188 Ball Joint Separator

Removal Procedure

Caution: The Front and Rear Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensors are not interchangeable. When you are replacing a Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensor be sure to use the correct Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensor part number. Do not mount the Rear Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensor in the front steering knuckle. The Rear Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensor features a splined hole through the center of the bearing which mates to the drive axle. The Rear Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensor requires the support of the drive axle and the drive axle nut clamped joint to properly carry the vehicle loads. Mounting the Rear Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensor in the front steering knuckle can cause bearing failure and possible damage to the vehicle.


    Object Number: 581404  Size: SH
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  3. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor harness connector.
  4. Remove the brake caliper and rotor. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement and Front Brake Caliper Replacement.

  5. Object Number: 172678  Size: SH
  6. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm.
  7. Support the lower control arm using a jackstand.

  8. Object Number: 65333  Size: SH
  9. Separate the outer tie rod ball stud from the steering knuckle using J 42188 . Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.
  10. Separate the lower ball joint stud from the steering knuckle using J 42188 . Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.

  11. Object Number: 66492  Size: SH
  12. Remove the wheel hub mounting bolts.
  13. Remove the hub and bearing assembly from the steering knuckle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 66492  Size: SH
  1. Install the hub and bearing assembly into the steering knuckle.
  2. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  3. Install the wheel hub mounting bolts and tighten to 130 N·m (96 lb ft).

  4. Object Number: 65333  Size: SH
  5. Install the lower control arm ball stud to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
  6. Remove the jackstand.
  7. Install the steering linkage outer tie rod ball stud to the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.

  8. Object Number: 581404  Size: SH
  9. Connect the wheel speed sensor harness connector.
  10. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.
  11. Install the brake rotor and caliper. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement and Front Brake Caliper Replacement.
  12. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  13. Lower the vehicle.