GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 6627-A Tie Rod Puller
    • J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller

Removal Procedure

    Important: You may remove the following components as an assembly:

       • The steering knuckle
       • The lower ball joint
       • The front hub
       • The wheel studs
       • The front wheel bearing
       • The disc brake shield

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. If the vehicle has ABS, remove the ABS wheel speed sensor from the steering knuckle. Position the sensor to the side. Refer to Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement .
  4. Unstake the front wheel drive shaft nut.
  5. Remove the drive shaft nut from the drive axle while an assistant presses the brake pedal.

  6. Object Number: 821222  Size: SH
  7. Remove the 2 nuts (1, 2) and the bolt (3) from the lower control arm.
  8. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement .
  9. Loosen the nuts on the lower side of the strut assembly. Do not remove the bolts.

  10. Object Number: 297345  Size: SH
  11. Remove the outer tie rod cotter pin (2).
  12. Remove the outer tie rod nut (1).
  13. Use the J 6627-A , or equivalent, in order to disconnect the outer tie rod from the knuckle.
  14. Remove the 2 nuts and the 2 bolts from lower side of the strut assembly.
  15. Remove the steering knuckle from the strut.
  16. Important: If you are replacing the steering knuckle, continue with this procedure.

  17. Remove the front wheel bearing and the disc brake shield. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .

  18. Object Number: 431948  Size: SH
  19. Remove the steering knuckle cotter pin (5) and the ball stud nut (4).
  20. Use the J 24319-B , or equivalent, in order to remove the ball joint (3) from the steering knuckle.

Installation Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 431948  Size: SH

    Important: Do not loosen the nut in order to insert the cotter pin.

  1. Install the ball joint (3) and the nut (4) to the steering knuckle (2).
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 103 N·m (76.0 lb ft). Tighten the nut up to 1/6 additional turn in order to insert the cotter pin.

  3. Install a NEW cotter pin (5) to the ball joint stud. Bend the cotter pin ends in order to retain the nut.
  4. Install the front wheel bearing and the disc brake shield to the steering knuckle. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
  5. Important: Do not tighten the nuts or the bolts.

  6. Install the following components to the lower side of the strut assembly:
  7. • The steering knuckle
    • The 2 bolts
    • The 2 nuts

    Important: Do not loosen the nut in order to insert the cotter pin.

  8. Install the outer tie rod and the nut to the steering knuckle.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the outer tie rod nut to 49 N·m (36 lb ft). Tighten the nut up to 1/6 additional turn in order to insert the cotter pin.

  10. Install a NEW cotter pin to the tie rod ball joint stud. Bend the cotter pin ends in order to retain the nut.
  11. Install the front brake rotor. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement .
  12. Install a NEW drive shaft nut while an assistant applies the brakes.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 216 N·m (159 lb ft).

  14. Stake the drive shaft nut into the slot on the wheel drive shaft.

  15. Object Number: 821222  Size: SH
  16. Install the bolt (3) and the 2 nuts (1, 2) to the control arm.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt and the 2 nuts to 89 N·m (65.6 lb ft).

  18. Tighten the nuts and the bolts on the lower side of the strut assembly.
  19. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts and bolts to 220 N·m (162.3 lb ft).

  20. If the vehicle has ABS, install the ABS wheel speed sensor to the knuckle. Refer to Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement .
  21. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  22. Lower the vehicle.
  23. Measure the front wheel alignment. Adjust as necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement .