GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

CH-49405 Ball Joint Release Tool.

Removal Procedure - Up to xx/xx

    Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.

    Caution: Refer to Vehicle Lifting Caution in the Preface section.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the front wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

  3. Object Number: 1949919  Size: SH

    Important:  Nuts with micro-encapsulated thread sealant must be discarded after removal.

  4. Remove the front caster arm to steering knuckle retaining nut (1).
  5. Discard the nut.


    Object Number: 1957043  Size: SH

    Important: Once a load is applied by the release tool loading bolt, a quick tap on the nut end of the tool will reduce the separating force required.

  6. Separate the front caster arm (1) from the steering knuckle (3) using the CH-49405 (2).
  7. Disconnect the front caster arm (1) from the steering knuckle (3).

  8. Object Number: 1955535  Size: SH
  9. Remove the front caster arm to subframe retaining nut (4).
  10. Discard the nut.

  11. Remove the front caster arm to subframe retaining bolt (2).
  12. Discard the bolt.

    Important: The front caster arm to subframe offset washers (1) are used to adjust the caster of the front suspension.

  13. Mark the front caster arm to subframe offset washers (1) to reference the side facing out.
  14. Remove the subframe offset washer to subframe retaining clips (3).
  15. Remove the subframe offset washers (1).

  16. Object Number: 1949944  Size: SH
  17. Remove the front caster arm (1) from the subframe (2).
  18. Inspect all parts for wear and damage.

Installation Procedure - Up to xx/xx


    Object Number: 1949944  Size: SH
  1. Install the front caster arm (1) from the subframe (2).

  2. Object Number: 1955535  Size: SH

    Important: The front caster arm to the subframe offset washers (1) are used to adjust the caster of the front suspension.

  3. Install the front caster arm to subframe offset washers (1).
  4. Install the subframe offset washer to subframe retaining clips (3).
  5. Install the NEW lower caster arm to the subframe retaining bolt (2).
  6. Important: The front caster arm to subframe retaining bolt (2), offset washers (1) and nut (4) must not be fully tightened at this stage.

  7. Install the NEW lower caster arm to the subframe retaining nut (4).
  8. Do not fully tighten at this stage.


    Object Number: 1949942  Size: SH
  9. Install the front caster arm ball joint (1) to the steering knuckle (2).
  10. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  11. Install the NEW front caster arm to steering knuckle retaining nut (3).
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts a first pass to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

    Tighten
    Tighten the bolts an additional 60 degrees.

  13. Install the front wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  14. Remove the safety stands.
  15. Lower the vehicle to the ground.

  16. Object Number: 1949924  Size: SH
  17. Bounce the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.
  18. Check and adjust the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.
  19. Important:  The weight of the vehicle must be on a level surface and on all four wheels before fully tightening the bolts and nuts that have been partially tightened. Failure to comply with to this requirement may adversely affect the ride and handling characteristics of the vehicle and reduce bushing life.

  20. Tighten the front caster arm to subframe retaining bolt (1).
  21. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts a first pass to 50 N·m (30 lb ft).

    Tighten
    Tighten the bolts an additional 120 degrees.

Removal Procedure - From xx/xx

    Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.

    Caution: Refer to Vehicle Lifting Caution in the Preface section.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the front wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

  3. Object Number: 1949919  Size: SH

    Important:  Nuts with micro-encapsulated thread sealant must be discarded after removal.

  4. Remove the front caster arm to steering knuckle retaining nut (1).
  5. Discard the nut.


    Object Number: 1957043  Size: SH

    Important: Once a load is applied by the release tool loading bolt, a quick tap on the nut end of the tool will reduce the separating force required.

  6. Separate the front caster arm (1) from the steering knuckle (3) using the CH-49405 (2).
  7. Disconnect the front caster arm (1) from the steering knuckle (3).

  8. Object Number: 2037932  Size: SH
  9. Remove the front caster arm to subframe retaining nut (3).
  10. Discard the nut.

  11. Remove the front caster arm to subframe retaining bolt (2).
  12. Discard the bolt.


    Object Number: 2004710  Size: SH
  13. Remove the front caster arm (1) from the subframe (2).
  14. Inspect all parts for wear and damage.

Installation Procedure - From xx/xx


    Object Number: 2004710  Size: SH
  1. Install the front caster arm (1) from the subframe (2).

  2. Object Number: 2037932  Size: SH
  3. Install the NEW lower caster arm to the subframe retaining bolt (2).
  4. Install the NEW lower caster arm to the subframe retaining nut (3).
  5. Do not fully tighten at this stage.


    Object Number: 1949942  Size: SH
  6. Install the front caster arm ball joint (1) to the steering knuckle (2).
  7. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  8. Install the NEW front caster arm to steering knuckle retaining nut (3).
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts a first pass to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

    Tighten
    Tighten the bolts an additional 60 degrees.

  10. Install the front wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  11. Remove the safety stands.
  12. Lower the vehicle to the ground.

  13. Object Number: 1949924  Size: SH
  14. Bounce the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.
  15. Check and adjust the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.
  16. Important:  The weight of the vehicle must be on a level surface and on all four wheels before fully tightening the bolts and nuts that have been partially tightened. Failure to comply with to this requirement may adversely affect the ride and handling characteristics of the vehicle and reduce bushing life.

  17. Tighten the front caster arm to subframe retaining bolt (1).
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts a first pass to 50 N·m (30 lb ft).

    Tighten
    Tighten the bolts an additional 120 degrees.