GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 23028-A Coil Spring Remover

  1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist so that the control arms hang free. Support the vehicle with safety stands.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link pins from the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
  4. Remove the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  5. Cradle the lower control arm. Use the J-23028-01, secured to the end of a suitable jack.

  6. Object Number: 130891  Size: SH

    Important: The chain is not to take place for safety, but to retain the coil spring to the upper control arm.

  7. Secure the spring with a chain through the spring and the control arm.

  8. Object Number: 179450  Size: SH
  9. Raise the jack in order to relieve tension on the lower control arm pivot bolts.
  10. Remove the pivot bolts and nuts.
  11. Lower the control arm by lowering the jack.
  12. When compression is removed from the coil spring, take the chain away.

  13. Object Number: 160822  Size: SH
  14. Remove the coil spring and the insulator (1). Position the coil spring properly for easy removal.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 156981  Size: SH
  1. Install the coil spring and the insulator.
  2. • The coil spring is installed with the taper at the highest position, and a gripper notch at the lower position (2).
    • Inspect drain holes (3). One hole must be covered by the end of the spring, and one hole must be open.
    • Make sure the spring insulator (1) is on top.

    Object Number: 179450  Size: SH
  3. Secure the spring with a chain through the spring and the control arm.
  4. Important: The chain is not to take place for safety, but to retain the coil spring to the control arm.

  5. Support the lower control arm using the J-23028-01.

  6. Object Number: 130891  Size: SH
  7. Raise the jack to install the control arm in place. Guide the control arm into place with a pry bar.
  8. Important: The pivot bolts must be installed in the proper direction.


    Object Number: 160821  Size: SH

    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.

  9. Install the new pivot bolts and nuts.
  10. • Insert the front bolt first.
    • Remove the chain and the jack.

    Tighten
    The front nut must be tightened before the rear nut.

    • The nuts must be tightened with the control arm at Z height. Refer to Trim Height Inspection in Suspension General Diagnosis.
    • Tighten the nuts to 155 N·m 115 lb ft.
  11. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
  12. Install the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  13. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  14. Remove the safety stands.
  15. Lower the vehicle.