GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • SA91100C Tie Rod Separator
    • J 44015 Steering Linkage Installer

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  4. Remove the dust shield screws.

  5. Object Number: 891918  Size: SH
  6. If equipped with ABS, remove the ABS sensor bracket bolt from the steering knuckle.
  7. Important: The ABS sensor bracket is equipped with a locating pin. Do not break this pin.

  8. Carefully remove the ABS sensor bracket assembly from the steering knuckle.

  9. Object Number: 891580  Size: SH
  10. Remove the drive axle to hub nut. Discard the nut.

  11. Object Number: 891572  Size: SH
  12. Disengage the drive axle from the steering knuckle.

  13. Object Number: 854972  Size: SH
  14. Remove the outer tie rod to knuckle nut.

  15. Object Number: 854983  Size: SH
  16. Using the SA91100C , separate the tie rod from the steering knuckle.

  17. Object Number: 891570  Size: SH
  18. Remove the lower control arm ball stud to steering knuckle pinch bolt and nut.
  19. Lower the control arm to separate the ball stud from the steering knuckle.
  20. Support and protect the drive axle during steering knuckle removal.

  21. Object Number: 866391  Size: SH
  22. Remove the strut to steering knuckle bolts and nuts.
  23. Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.
  24. Remove the hub/bearing from the steering knuckle. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement .

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the hub/bearing to the steering knuckle. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement .
  2. Position the steering knuckle on the lower control arm ball stud, while guiding the drive axle through the steering knuckle hub/bearing.

  3. Object Number: 866391  Size: SH
  4. Install new strut to knuckle nuts and bolts. Snug the bolts only at this time.
  5. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 891570  Size: SH
  6. Install the lower control arm ball stud to steering knuckle pinch bolt and nut.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt and nut to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).


    Object Number: 891579  Size: SH
  8. Using the J 44015 , install the tie rod to the steering knuckle. Set the taper by tightening the J 44015 to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).

  9. Object Number: 854972  Size: SH

    Important: Do not allow the ball stud to turn when installing the tie rod to steering knuckle nut.

  10. Remove the J 44015 and install a new tie rod to steering knuckle nut.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 60 N·m (45 lb ft).

  12. Inspect the tie rod boot for damage, replace if necessary.

  13. Object Number: 891918  Size: SH

    Important: The ABS sensor bracket has a locating pin. The pin must be lactated in the steering knuckle locating hole.

  14. If equipped with ABS, install the ABS sensor assembly to the steering knuckle.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the ABS sensor bracket bolt to 8 N·m (71 lb in).

  16. Install the brake rotor and hydraulic brake caliper. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.

  17. Object Number: 891580  Size: SH
  18. Install the washer and a new hub/bearing nut to the drive axle.
  19. Tighten

    1. Tighten the nut to 115 N·m (85 lb ft).
    2. Back of the nut and tighten to 20 N·m (15 lb ft) plus an additional 90 degrees.
  20. Install a new cotter pin through the alignment hole in the drive axle. Rotate the drive axle nut clockwise as necessary to align the castle nut slots.
  21. Install the tire and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  22. Lower the vehicle.
  23. Align the front end. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.