GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 39549 Ball Joint/Tie Rod Separator
    • J 9519-7 Ball Joint Remover
    • J 9519-9 Ball Joint Installer
    • J 9519-18 Ball Joint Pressing Screw
    • J 9519-23 Ball Joint C-Clamp
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle with floor stands under the frame. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the special security wheel lock nut, if equipped. Use the special security wheel lock key which is located in the front floor console.
  3. Remove the tire and the wheel. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  4. Place a floor jack under the lower control arm (1).
  5. Remove the lower control arm-to-knuckle nut cotter pin and loosen the lower control arm-to-knuckle nut.

  6. Object Number: 181070  Size: SH

    Important: The floor jack must remain under the shock absorber mounting location on the lower control arm during removal and installation in order to hold the spring and the lower control arm in position.

  7. Use the J 39549 in order to separate the ball stud (1) from the steering knuckle (3).
  8. Use J 9519-7 , J 9519-18 and J 9519-23 in order to press the ball stud out of the lower control arm.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 181071  Size: SH
  1. Position the ball stud into the lower control arm (1), then press in using J 9519-9 , J 9519-18 and J 9519-23 until the ball stud bottoms on the lower control arm.
  2. The ball stud must firmly press into the lower control arm. If the ball stud does not fit firmly into the lower control arm, replace the lower control arm.
  3. Install the ball stud to the steering knuckle (3).
  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.

    Important: Tighten the lower control arm nut enough in order to align the nut slot with the stud hole. Never loosen the nut in order to align the nut slot with the stud hole.

  5. Hand start the lower control arm nut.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the lower control arm nut to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

  7. Install the lower control arm cotter pin.
  8. Remove the floor jack from under the shock absorber mounting location on the lower control arm.
  9. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  10. Install the special security wheel lock nut, if equipped. Use the special security wheel lock key which is located in the front floor console.
  11. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.
  12. Lower the vehicle.