GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

SA9132S Lower Control Arm Ball Stud Separator

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 865720  Size: SH

    Caution: Ensure that the vehicle is properly supported and squarely positioned. To help avoid personal injury when a vehicle is on a hoist, provide additional support for the vehicle on the opposite end from which the components are being removed.

  1. Raise vehicle on hoist.
  2. Remove road wheel.
  3. Remove and discard lower control arm ball stud cotter pin.
  4. Loosen lower control arm ball stud castle nut, until top of castle nut is level with top of ball stud.

  5. Object Number: 871526  Size: SH

    Notice: Care must be taken to prevent damage to the speed sensor ring on ABS vehicles. Minor surface damage to the speed sensor ring can result in ABS system malfunctions.

    Notice: Do not attempt to separate the joint using a wedge-type tool because seal may be damaged.

  6. UsingSA9132S (or equivalent), separate lower control arm from knuckle.
  7. Remove lower control arm ball stud castle nut.

  8. Object Number: 860035  Size: SH
  9. Remove front inner fender splash shield.
  10. 7.1. Remove the 2 push pins.

            Important: If molded-in fasteners are damaged or broken, drill out with a 5/16 in. bit and replace with a push pin.

    7.2. Remove lower shield to cradle molded-in fasteners at cradle by gently prying at three fastener locations.
       • LEFT SIDE -- Remove the front section of the splash shield first, then rear.
       • 
       • RIGHT SIDE -- Remove the rear section of the splash shield first, then front.

    Object Number: 864962  Size: SH
  11. Remove the lower control arm-to-cradle fastener.
  12. Remove front stabilizer shaft nut at lower control arm.
  13. Remove lower control arm from vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 864962  Size: SH
  1. Install control arm onto front stabilizer shaft.
  2. Important: Do not install nut at this time.

  3. Position end of control arm into the cradle and install fastener.
  4. Tighten

        • Tighten the Control Arm-to-Frame Bolt to 125 N·m (92 lb ft).
        • Tighten the Control Arm-to-Frame Nut to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).
  5. Install control arm-to-front stabilizer shaft fastener nut.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the Control Arm-to-Front Stabilizer Shaft Nut to 144 N·m (106 lb ft).


    Object Number: 859109  Size: SH

    Important: Lower control arm ball stud threads should be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated before installing and tightening nut.

    Important: If necessary to rotate castle nut to orient it to hole in the stud, always tighten nut; never loosen it.

  7. Connect ball stud to steering knuckle with fastener. Torque and install new cotter pin.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the Ball Joint Stud Castle Nut to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).


    Object Number: 860035  Size: SH

    Important: On left side, install rear section of splash shield first, then front. On right side, install front section of splash shield first, then rear.

  9. Install front inner fender splash shield.
  10. Install tabs in body cut-out.
  11. Important: Make sure splash shield flaps are tucked in at body locations.

  12. Align molded-in shield fasteners with holes in cradle. Push straight in to install.
  13. Install push pins.
  14. Notice: Before installing wheels, remove rust or corrosion from wheel mounting surfaces and brake rotors/drums. Failure to do so can cause wheel nuts to loosen in service.

  15. Position wheel onto hub.
  16. Install wheel nuts and tighten in a crisscross pattern. Repeat tightening pattern to make sure torque is correct.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten Wheel Nuts 140 N·m (103 lb ft).

  18. Lower vehicle from hoist.
  19. Perform vehicle wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications