GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 23028-A Coil Spring Remover and Installer

Removal Procedure

    Notice: Use care when handling the coil springs in order to avoid chipping or scratching the coating. Damage to the coating will result in premature failure of the coil springs.

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. The lower control arms must hang free.

  3. Remove the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .

  4. Object Number: 164998  Size: SH

    Caution: Tool J 23028-01 should be secured to a suitable jack or personal injury could result.

  5. Secure the J 23028-A to a suitable jack . Position the J 23028-A so the tool cradles the inner bushings.
  6. Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  7. Raise the jack, under the J 23028-A in order to relieve tension from the lower control arm bolts.

  8. Object Number: 1862  Size: SH
  9. Remove the lower control arm bolts and the nuts. Remove the rear bolt and the rear nut first.

  10. Object Number: 165002  Size: SH
  11. Lower the lower control arm by lowering the jack slowly to relieve the tension of the coil spring.
  12. Important: Do not apply force on the lower control arm or the lower ball joint in order to remove the coil spring. Proper maneuvering of the coil spring will allow for easy removal.

  13. After all compression is removed from the coil spring, remove the coil spring and coil spring insulators from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 165002  Size: SH
  1. Install the coil spring and the coil spring insulators to the lower control arm.
  2. • The insulators must be in place on the top and bottom of the coil spring.
    • Install the coil spring with the identification tape towards the lower control arm.
    • Align the edge of the coil spring with the edge of the insulator. Align the insulator and the drain hole.
    • The end of the lower spring coil must cover all or part of one inspection drain hole. The other drain hole must be partially exposed or completely uncovered.

    Object Number: 164998  Size: SH

    Caution: Tool J 23028-01 should be secured to a suitable jack or personal injury could result.

  3. Support the lower control arm with J 23028-A .
  4. Raise the jack to install the lower control arm so that the bushings match up to the proper holes in the frame.
  5. Insure that the coil spring is properly seated in the upper control arm.


    Object Number: 1862  Size: SH
  6. Install the lower control arm bolts and nuts.
  7. • Install the front bolt first, then the rear bolt.
    • Install the bolts in the proper direction.
    • Tighten the nuts, but do not torque.
  8. Remove the J 23028-A from the vehicle.
  9. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  10. Install the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  11. Lower the vehicle.
  12. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  13. When the control arm bolts are black:
  14. Tighten

    1. Tighten the lower control arm front nut to 90 N·m (66 lb ft), with the vehicle weight on the wheels.
    2. Tighten the lower control arm rear nut to 90 N·m (66 lb ft), with the vehicle weight on the wheels.
  15. When the control arm bolts are silver:
  16. Tighten

    1. Tighten the lower control arm front nut to 118 N·m (87 lb ft), with the vehicle weight on the wheels.
    2. Tighten the lower control arm rear nut to 118 N·m (87 lb ft), with the vehicle weight on the wheels.
  17. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.