GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 24319-01 Universal Steering Linkage Puller
    • J 39549 Ball Joint/Tie Rod Separator

    Object Number: 181077  Size: SH
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  3. Remove the wheel hub (4) from the steering knuckle (1). Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement .

  4. Object Number: 423439  Size: SH
  5. Remove and discard the cotter pin (3) from the outer tie rod end (1).
  6. Remove the outer tie rod end nut (2).

  7. Object Number: 297353  Size: SH
  8. Using J 24319-01 separate the outer tie rod end (2) from the steering knuckle (1).
  9. Use a jack stand to support the lower control arm.
  10. Remove the shock absorber lower bolts and nuts.
  11. Remove and discard the upper control arm cotter pin.
  12. Remove the upper control arm nut.

  13. Object Number: 181072  Size: SH
  14. Using J 39549 separate the upper ball joint (1) from the steering knuckle (3).
  15. Remove the upper control arm (2) and upper ball joint (1) from the steering knuckle (3).

  16. Object Number: 181096  Size: MH
  17. Remove and discard the lower control arm cotter pin.
  18. Remove the lower control arm nut.
  19. Using J 39549 separate the lower ball joint (7) from the steering knuckle (5).
  20. Remove the lower control arm (8) and lower ball joint (7) from the steering knuckle (5).
  21. Remove the steering knuckle (5) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 181096  Size: MH
  1. Install the steering knuckle (5) to the vehicle.
  2. Align and Install the lower ball joint (7) and control arm (8) to the steering knuckle (5).
  3. Install the lower control arm nut.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the lower control arm nut to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

    Important: Never loosen the control arm nut in order to align the cotter pin solt, it is permissible to over torque the control arm nut 1/6 of a turn MAX.

  5. Install a new lower control arm cotter pin.
  6. Align and install the upper control arm and upper ball joint to the steering knuckle.
  7. Install the upper control arm nut.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the upper control arm nut to 53 N·m (39 lb ft).

  9. Install a new upper control arm cotter pin.
  10. Install the shock absorber lower bolts and nuts.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the shock absorber lower bolts or nuts to 65 N·m (48 lb ft).

  12. Remove the jack stand supporting the lower control arm.

  13. Object Number: 297628  Size: SH
  14. Connect the outer tie rod end (2) to the steering knuckle (1).

  15. Object Number: 423439  Size: SH
  16. Install the outer tie rod end nut (2).
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the outer tie rod end nut (2) to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

  18. Install a new cotter pin (3) to the outer tie rod end (1).

  19. Object Number: 181077  Size: SH
  20. Install the wheel hub (4) from the steering knuckle (1). Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement .
  21. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  22. Lower the vehicle.
  23. Check the wheel toe-in. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment in Wheel Alignment.