GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 42188 Ball Joint Separator

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 581404  Size: SH
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.

  4. Object Number: 583226  Size: SH
  5. Disconnect the electronic suspension control (ESC) position sensor link, if equipped.

  6. Object Number: 340932  Size: SH
  7. Separate the suspension knuckle (1) from the upper control arm using J 42188 .
  8. Support the lower control arm with a jack stand.
  9. Loosen the upper ball joint stud nut, but do not remove the nut.
  10. Remove J 42188 and the ball joint stud nut (2) from the ball joint stud.

  11. Object Number: 65318  Size: SH
  12. Remove the bolts (1) and (2) retaining the upper control arm (3) to the frame.
  13. Remove the upper control arm (3) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 65318  Size: SH
  1. Install the upper control arm (3) to the vehicle.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  3. Install the upper control arm mounting bolts (1) and (2) to the frame.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the upper control arm mounting bolts to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).


    Object Number: 171430  Size: SH
  5. Install the suspension knuckle upper ball joint stud into the upper control arm.
  6. It may be necessary to use an allen wrench to keep the ball joint stud from spinning while tightening the ball joint stud nut.

  7. Install the upper ball joint stud nut.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the suspension knuckle ball joint stud nut to 20 N·m (15 lb ft) plus 250 degrees.


    Object Number: 581404  Size: SH
  9. Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.

  10. Object Number: 581266  Size: SH
  11. Install the shock absorber solenoid electrical connector, if equipped.

  12. Object Number: 583226  Size: SH
  13. Connect the ESC position sensor link, if equipped.
  14. Remove the jack stand from the lower control arm.
  15. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  16. Lower the vehicle.
  17. Perform a rear wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.