GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J-42188-B Ball Joint Separator

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

  3. Object Number: 1826186  Size: SH
  4. Remove the lower ball joint stud cotter pin. Discard the cotter pin.
  5. Loosen the ball stud nut until the nut is level with the top of the ball stud.
  6. Using J-42188-B , separate the lower control arm from the steering knuckle.

  7. Object Number: 1826244  Size: SH
  8. Remove the lower ball joint stud nut.

  9. Object Number: 1826495  Size: SH
  10. Remove the control arm-to-frame front bolt and nut. Discard the bolt and nut.

  11. Object Number: 1826542  Size: SH
  12. Remove the control arm-to-frame rear bolts and nuts. Discard the bolts and nuts.
  13. Remove the control arm.

Installation Procedure

  1. Position the control arm to the cradle/frame.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1826542  Size: SH
  3. Install new control arm-to-frame rear bolts and nuts.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the control arm rear bolts and nuts to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1826495  Size: SH
  5. Install a new arm-to-frame front bolt and nut.
  6. Install new control arm-to-frame rear bolts and nuts.

    Tighten
    Tighten the control arm front bolt and nut to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1826244  Size: SH
  7. Position the control arm ball stud into the steering knuckle and install the nut.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1826186  Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Do not loosen the castle nut, only tighten to align the ball stud slot.
       • Ensure that the cotter pin ends do not contact the antilock brake system (ABS) sensor harness or drive axle.

  9. Continue to tighten the nut only enough to align the castle nut slots with the ball stud, install a new cotter pin.
  10. Install the wheel and tire assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  11. Verify front end alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications .
  12. Lower the vehicle.