GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 43828 Ball Joint Remover
    • SA9140E Torque Angle Gage

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

  3. Object Number: 929893  Size: SH
  4. Remove the control arm ball stud cotter pin. Discard the cotter pin.
  5. Loosen the ball stud nut until the nut is level with the top of the ball stud.

  6. Object Number: 932518  Size: SH
  7. Using the J 43828 , separate the lower control arm from the steering knuckle.
  8. Remove the ball stud nut.

  9. Object Number: 929911  Size: SH
  10. Remove the control arm-to-frame front bolt and nut. Discard the bolt and nut.
  11. Remove the control arm-to-frame rear bolts and nuts. Discard the bolts and nuts.
  12. Remove the control arm.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the control arm to the frame.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 929911  Size: SH
  3. Install new control arm-to-frame rear bolts and nuts.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).

  5. Install a new arm-to-frame front bolt and nut.
  6. Install new control arm-to-frame rear bolts and nuts.

    Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 200 N·m (148 lb ft).

    Notice: Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Stud Identification Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 929893  Size: SH
  7. Install the control arm ball stud into the steering knuckle.
  8. Using the SA9140E , continue to install the nut.
  9. Tighten

    1. If the bottom of the ball stud has a cup and is silver, tighten the nut to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).
    2. If the bottom of the ball stud is flat and black, tighten the nut to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

    Important: 

       • Do not loosen the castle nut, only tighten to align the ball stud slot.
       • Ensure that the cotter pin ends do not contact the antilock brake system (ABS) sensor harness or drive axle.

  10. Continue to tighten the nut only enough to align the castle nut slots with the ball stud, install the cotter pin.
  11. Install the wheel and tire assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  12. Lower the vehicle.