GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement RWD

Removal Procedure

For control arms and components, refer to

Control Arm and Components (2WD)


Object Number: 157091  Size: LF
(1)Cam
(2)Upper Control Arm Bushing
(3)Upper Control Arm (15 Series)
(4)Nut
(5)Upper Ball Joint
(6)Brake Hose Bracket
(7)Upper Control Arm to Frame Nut
(8)Upper Ball Joint Nut
(9)Brake Hose Bracket Screw
(10)Upper Control Arm (25/35 Series)
(11)Lower Control Arm Bushing
(12)Lower Control Arm Bumper
(13)Lower Control Arm Bumper Nut
(14)Lower Ball Joint Cotter Pin
(15)Lower Ball Joint
(16)Lower Ball Joint Nut
(17)Lower Control Arm
(18)Lower Control Arm Bushing
(19)Front Coil Spring
(20)Front Coil Spring Upper Insulator
(21)Lower Control Arm to Frame Bolts
(22)Lower Control Arm to Frame Nut
(23)Upper Control Arm to Frame Nut
(24)Cams
(25)Upper Control Arm to Frame Bolts
.

Tools Required

    • J 9519-D Ball Joint Remover and Installer Set
    • J 23742 Ball Joint Separator
  1. Raise the vehicle. Support the frame with safety stands.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Caution: Floor jack must remain under the lower control arm during removal and installation to retain the lower control arm in position. Failure to do so could result in personal injury.

  4. Place a floor jack under the control arm spring seat. Raise the jack in order to support the control arm.
  5. Notice: Support the caliper with a piece of wire to prevent damage to the brake line.

  6. Remove the brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  7. Remove the cotter pin and the nut.

  8. Object Number: 130899  Size: SH
  9. Break the ball joint loose from the knuckle using the J 23742 .

  10. Object Number: 1827  Size: SH

    Important: Place a wooden block between the frame and the upper control arm in order to block the knuckle assembly out of the way.

  11. Remove the lower control arm from the knuckle. Guide the lower control arm out of the splash shield with a screwdriver while lifting the upper control arm with a pry bar.

  12. Object Number: 372053  Size: SH
  13. Remove the lower ball joint from the lower control arm using the tools as shown.
  14. Inspect the tapered hole in the steering knuckle. Remove any dirt. If the tapered hole is out of round, deformed or damaged, replace the knuckle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 372042  Size: SH
  1. Install a new ball joint into the lower control arm.
  2. 1.1. Press in the ball joint using the tools as shown.
    1.2. The ball joint will bottom on the control arm.
  3. Install the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle.
  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 stud nut onto the stud.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 128 N·m (94 lb ft). Tighten in order to align the slot in the stud nut with the hole in the stud.

  7. Install a new cotter pin to the stud.
  8. Install the brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  9. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  10. Lower the vehicle.
  11. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.

Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement S4WD

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 24319-B Steering Linkage Puller
    • J 39549 Ball Joint/Tie Rod End Separator
    • J 9519-E Ball Joint Remover/Installer Set
    • J 41435 Ball Joint Remover and Installer Kit, consisting of: J 41435-1, 2, 3
    • J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer
  1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with suitable safety stands.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Caution: Floor jack must remain under the lower control arm during removal and installation to retain the lower control arm in position. Failure to do so could result in personal injury.

  4. Place a floor jack under the control arm. Raise the jack until the jack supports the control arm.
  5. Remove the halfshaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  6. Notice: Support the caliper with a piece of wire to prevent damage to the brake line.

  7. Remove the brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.

  8. Object Number: 157043  Size: SH
  9. Remove the cotter pin and the nut from the lower control arm ball joint.
  10. Using J 39549 , break the ball joint loose from the knuckle.
  11. Remove the lower control arm from the knuckle.
  12. Remove the knuckle from the vehicle.

  13. Object Number: 372022  Size: SH
  14. Remove the ball joint from the lower control arm. Use the tools as shown.
  15. Inspect the tapered hole in the steering knuckle and remove any dirt. If this hole is out of round, deformed, or damaged, replace the knuckle.

Installation Procedure

  1. Clean the mounting surfaces of the lower control arm ball joint and the new ball joint with denatured alcohol or the equivalent prior to installation. Do not apply solvent to the ball joint seal.

  2. Object Number: 372035  Size: SH
  3. Install the new ball joint into the lower control arm.
  4. 2.1. Apply a 6 mm (¼ in) bead of LOCTITE® 680 or the equivalent evenly to the serrations on the ball joint prior to installation.
    2.2. Position the ball joint in the control arm with the grease fitting toward the rear of the vehicle.
    2.3. Press in the ball joint using the tools as shown.
       • The ball joint will bottom on the control arm.
       • When installing the ball joint with the J 41435 , make sure the notch in the tool aligns with the grease fitting.

    Object Number: 157043  Size: SH
  5. Install the ball joint into the steering knuckle.
  6. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  7. Install the stud nut onto the stud.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 128 N·m (94 lb ft). Tighten in order to align the slot in the stud nut with the hole in the stud.

  9. Install a new cotter pin to the stud.
  10. Install the halfshaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  11. Install the brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  12. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  13. Important: Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.

  14. Lower the vehicle.