GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

J-41820 Ball Joint Separator

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 1556785  Size: SH
  1. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture.
  2. Remove the right front tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  3. Remove the right front splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement.
  4. Remove the oil pan drain plug.
  5. Drain the crankcase.
  6. Reinstall the oil pan drain plug until snug.

  7. Object Number: 1677210  Size: SH
  8. Remove the engine harness clips from the right lower control arm.

  9. Object Number: 1677211  Size: SH
  10. Remove and discard the lower ball joint castle nut cotter pin (1).
  11. Remove the lower ball joint castle nut (1).

  12. Object Number: 378908  Size: SH
  13. Install the J-41820 Ball Joint Separator over the ball stud and lower control arm as shown.
  14. Rotate the ball stud nut counterclockwise in order to separate the ball stud from the steering knuckle

  15. Object Number: 1675217  Size: SH
  16. Remove the air conditioning (A/C) compressor front bolt and nut.

  17. Object Number: 1675218  Size: SH
  18. Remove the A/C compressor rear bolt and position the compressor aside.

  19. Object Number: 1677237  Size: SH
  20. Remove the transaxle brace to engine block/oil pan bolts.
  21. Remove the transaxle brace to transaxle bolts.
  22. Remove the transaxle brace.

  23. Object Number: 1677238  Size: SH
  24. Remove the transaxle brace to oil pan bolts.
  25. Remove the transaxle brace to transaxle bolt.
  26. Remove the transaxle brace.
  27. Remove the starter. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement.

  28. Object Number: 1677214  Size: SH
  29. Disconnect the engine harness electrical connector from the oil level sensor.

  30. Object Number: 1677212  Size: SH
  31. Remove the engine harness clip from the oil pan.
  32. Remove the engine mount. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement.

  33. Object Number: 1677195  Size: SH
  34. Place adjustable jack stands under the frame.
  35. Loosen the left side frame bolts (2) and remove the right side frame bolts (1).
  36. Using the jack stands, lower the right side of the frame enough to remove the oil pan.

  37. Object Number: 1583199  Size: SH
  38. Remove the oil pan side bolts (1).
  39. Remove the oil pan bolts (2).
  40. Remove the oil pan.
  41. Remove the oil pan gasket.
  42. Clean the following items:
  43. • The oil pan flanges
    • The oil pan rail
    • The front cover
    • The rear main bearing cap
    • The threaded holes

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 61840  Size: SH
  1. Apply sealer to both sides of the crankshaft rear main bearing cap (1). Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers. Press sealer into the gaps using a putty knife.

  2. Object Number: 1583199  Size: SH
  3. Install the oil pan gasket.
  4. Install the oil pan.
  5. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  6. Install the oil pan bolts (2) and tighten to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).
  7. Install the oil pan side bolts (1) and tighten to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  8. Object Number: 1677195  Size: SH
  9. Using the jack stands, raise the right side of the frame.
  10. Install and tighten the right side frame bolts (1) and tighten the left side frame bolts (2).
  11. • Tighten the front frame bolts to 130N·m (96 lb ft).
    • Tighten the rear frame bolts to 240 N·m (177 lb ft).
  12. Remove the adjustable jack stands from under the frame.

  13. Object Number: 1677212  Size: SH
  14. Install the engine mount. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement.
  15. Install the engine harness clip to the oil pan.

  16. Object Number: 1677214  Size: SH
  17. Connect the engine harness electrical connector to the oil level sensor.

  18. Object Number: 1677238  Size: SH
  19. Install the starter. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement.
  20. Position the transaxle brace to the transaxle and oil pan.
  21. Install the transaxle brace to transaxle bolt.
  22. Install the transaxle brace to oil pan bolts and tighten to 43 N·m (32 lb ft).

  23. Object Number: 1677237  Size: SH
  24. Position the transaxle brace to the transaxle and the engine block/oil pan.
  25. Install the transaxle brace to transaxle bolts.
  26. Install the transaxle brace to engine block/oil pan bolts and tighten to 43 N·m (32 lb ft).

  27. Object Number: 1675217  Size: SH
  28. Position the A/C compressor over the front stud and install the A/C compressor front bolt and nut. Tighten the bolt/nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  29. Object Number: 1675218  Size: SH
  30. Install the A/C compressor rear bolt and tighten to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  31. Object Number: 1677211  Size: SH
  32. Install the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle.
  33. Install the lower ball joint castle nut (1) and tighten to 55 N·m (40 lb ft).

  34. Object Number: 384426  Size: SH

    Note: Do not loosen the castle nut in order to align the slots to the ball joint stud pin hole.

  35. If necessary, tighten the castle nut in order to align one of the slots (1) to the ball joint stud pin hole (2) as shown.

  36. Object Number: 384428  Size: SH
  37. Install a NEW cotter pin to the castle nut and ball joint stud.
  38. Bend the NEW cotter pin ends as shown in either example.

  39. Object Number: 1677210  Size: SH
  40. Install the engine harness clips to the right lower control arm.

  41. Object Number: 1556785  Size: SH
  42. Install the right front splash shield. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement.
  43. Install the right front tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  44. Remove the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture.
  45. Fill the crankcase with NEW oil.