GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

KM-507-C Ball Joint Remover

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 1290627  Size: SH
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Remove the caulking nut from the axle shaft.

  4. Object Number: 1290628  Size: SH
  5. Remove the brake caliper from the rotor. Support the caliper so it does not hang from the hydraulic brake hose. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement .
  6. Remove the outer tie rod from the knuckle assembly. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
  7. On vehicles equipped with the antilock braking system (ABS), disconnect the ABS speed sensor electrical connection from the knuckle.

  8. Object Number: 1290631  Size: SH
  9. Remove the ball joint pinch bolt and the nut.

  10. Object Number: 1290634  Size: SH
  11. Separate the knuckle from the ball joint using the KM-507-C  (1).

  12. Object Number: 1290635  Size: SH
  13. Remove the nuts from the bolts that connect the knuckle assembly to the strut assembly.

  14. Object Number: 1290637  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not overextend the wheel drive shaft. Allowing the inboard joint to overextend can cause separation of the internal components and lead to joint failure.

  15. Support the drive axle.
  16. Separate the drive axle shaft from the wheel hub.
  17. Remove the bolts that connect the knuckle assembly to the strut assembly.
  18. Remove the knuckle assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1290635  Size: SH
  1. Install the knuckle assembly onto the vehicle.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  3. Install the steering knuckle-to-strut assembly nuts.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the steering knuckle-to-strut assembly nuts to 120 N·m (89 lb ft).

  5. Connect the drive axle to the front wheel hub.

  6. Object Number: 1290631  Size: SH
  7. Connect the ball joint to the knuckle assembly.
  8. Install the ball joint pinch bolt and the nut.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the ball joint pinch bolt nut to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1290628  Size: SH
  10. Connect the ABS speed sensor electrical connection.

  11. Object Number: 1290627  Size: SH
  12. Connect the outer tie rod to the knuckle assembly. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
  13. Install the brake caliper onto the rotor. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement .
  14. Install the caulking nut onto the axle shaft.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the drive axle-to-hub caulking nut to 150 N·m (111 lb ft). Loosen the nut, then tighten it to 275 N·m (203 lb ft).

  16. Install the wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  17. Lower the vehicle.