GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 39549 Ball Joint and Tie Rod End Separator
    • J 9519-7 Ball Joint Remover
    • J 9519-18 Ball Joint Pressing Screw
    • J 9519-23 Ball Joint C-Clamp
    • J 9519-9 Ball Joint Installer

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and the wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Place a floor jack under the lower control arm (1).
  4. Remove and discard the lower control arm cotter pin.
  5. Remove the lower control arm-to-knuckle nut.

  6. Object Number: 181070  Size: SH

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

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

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 181071  Size: SH
  1. Position the lower ball joint into the opening in lower control arm (1).
  2. Use J 9519-9 , J 9519-18 , and J 9519-23 in order to press in the ball joint until it extends all the way through the lower control arm (1).
  3. Fit the ball joint firmly into the lower control arm. If the ball joint does not fit firmly into the lower control arm, replace the lower control arm.

  4. Align and Install the ball joint to the steering knuckle.
  5. 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.

  6. Install the lower control arm-to-knuckle nut.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the lower control arm-to-knuckle nut to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

    Important: Never loosen the control arm-to-knuckle nut in order to align the cotter pin slot. You may tighten the control arm-to-knuckle nut up to an additional 1/6 of a turn.

  8. Install a new lower control arm-to-knuckle cotter pin.
  9. Remove the floor jack from under the lower control arm (1).
  10. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  11. Lower the vehicle.
  12. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.