GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 43828 Ball Joint Separator

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  4. Remove the wiring harness from the lower control arm.

  5. Object Number: 165249  Size: SH
  6. Remove the cotter pin (1) from the ball joint (3).
  7. Remove the nut (4) from the ball joint (3).

  8. Object Number: 490085  Size: SH

    Notice: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use the recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.

  9. Remove the ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 43828 .

  10. Object Number: 491742  Size: SH
  11. Remove the lower control arm front (1) and rear (4) mounting bolts.
  12. Remove the lower control arm (1) from the vehicle and place in a vice.
  13. Drill out the 3 rivets (3) retaining the ball joint to the lower control arm (2).
  14. Use a 3 mm (1/8 in) drill bit in order to make a pilot hole through the rivets.

    Finish drilling the rivets with a  13 mm (½ in) drill bit.

  15. Remove the ball joint (4) from the control arm (2).

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 165250  Size: SH
  1. Install the ball joint (4) into the control arm (2).
  2. Install the 3 ball joint bolts (3) and the nuts (1). Follow the instructions in the ball joint kit. Tighten the ball joint bolts (3) according to the specifications in the instructions.

  3. Object Number: 491742  Size: SH
  4. Install the lower control arm (2) to the front suspension support (1)
  5. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  6. Install the lower control arm front (5) and rear (4) mounting bolts.
  7. Tighten

        • Tighten the front bolt to 107 N·m (79 lb ft).
        • Tighten the rear bolt to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

    Object Number: 165249  Size: SH
  8. Install the lower ball joint stud (3) to the steering knuckle (2).
  9. Install the ball joint stud (3) through the steering knuckle (2).
  10. Install the ball joint nut (4).
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the ball joint nut to 55 N·m (41 lb ft) plus 180 degree rotation minimum-65 N·m (50 lb ft) plus 180 degree rotation maximum to install the cotter pin.

  12. Install the wiring harness to the lower control arm.
  13. Install the cotter pin (1).
  14. Install the stabilizer link to the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  15. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  16. Inspect the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.