GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 43631 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. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Disconnect the Real Time Damping (RTD) link rod from the sensor, if equipped. Refer to Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Link Assembly Replacement in Real Time Damping.

  4. Object Number: 367084  Size: SH
  5. Remove the retaining bolt for the brake hose and the wheel speed sensor brackets.
  6. Remove the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  7. Remove the nut at the upper ball joint. Discard the nut.

  8. Object Number: 661099  Size: SH
  9. Disconnect the upper control arm from the steering knuckle using the J 43631 (1).

  10. Object Number: 376754  Size: SH
  11. Remove the upper control arm nuts and the adjustment cams (2) for the 15 Series 2WD, 4WD, and 25/35 Series 2WD).
  12. Remove the upper control arm bolts (4) for the 15 Series 2WD, 4WD, and 25/35 Series 2WD.

  13. Object Number: 376756  Size: SH
  14. Remove the upper control arm nuts and the adjustment cams (2) for the 25/35 Series 4WD.
  15. Remove the upper control arm bolts (4) for the 25/35 Series 4WD.
  16. Remove the upper control arm.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the upper control arm.

  2. Object Number: 376756  Size: SH
  3. Install the upper control arm bolts (4) for the 25/35 Series 4WD.
  4. 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.

  5. Install the upper control arm nuts and the adjustment cams (2) 25/35 Series 4WD.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 190 N·m (140 lb ft).


    Object Number: 376754  Size: SH
  7. Install the upper control arm bolts (4) for the 15 Series 2WD, 4WD, and 25/35 Series 2WD.
  8. Install the upper control arm nuts and the adjustment cams (2) for the 15 Series 2WD, 4WD, and 25/35 Series 2WD.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 190 N·m (140 lb ft).

  10. Connect the upper control arm to the steering knuckle .
  11. Install the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  12. Install the new nut to the upper ball joint stud.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).


    Object Number: 367084  Size: SH
  14. Install the retaining bolts for the brake hose and wheel speed sensor brackets.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

  16. Connect the RTD link rod to the sensor, if equipped. Refer to Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Link Assembly Replacement .
  17. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  18. Remove the safety stands.
  19. Lower the vehicle.
  20. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.