GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 41820 Ball Joint/Stud Separator

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the rear wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the brake caliper and support the brake caliper. Do not disconnect the brake hose. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.

  4. Object Number: 629521  Size: SH
  5. Use a utility stand in order to support the lower control arm.
  6. Disconnect the height sensor link from the lower control arm as necessary.

  7. Object Number: 629523  Size: SH
  8. Remove the bolt holding the park brake cable to left side lower control arm.
  9. Disconnect the speed sensor harness from the control arm.
  10. Disconnect speed sensor harness connector.
  11. Remove speed sensor connector mounting bracket.
  12. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm . Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  13. Disconnect the shock absorber from the lower control arm. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .

  14. Object Number: 378908  Size: SH
  15. Use the J 41820 in order to disconnect the ball joint from the knuckle.

  16. Object Number: 629211  Size: SH
  17. Remove the lower ball joint nut.
  18. Use the utility stand in order to lower the control arm and relieve the coil spring tension.
  19. Remove the utility stand.

  20. Object Number: 629214  Size: SH
  21. Carefully remove the coil spring (2) .

  22. Object Number: 629199  Size: SH
  23. Make a mark on the lower control arm at the cam indicator (1) .

  24. Object Number: 629235  Size: SH
  25. Remove the lower control arm to crossmember mounting bolts (1, 5) .
  26. Remove the lower control arm.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the lower control arm to the crossmember.

  2. Object Number: 629235  Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  3. Install the bolts (5) and the nuts (4) to the lower control arm.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  5. Install the cam bolt (1) and the cam washer (2) to the lower control arm.
  6. Important: Align the cam indicator to the mark on the lower control arm.

  7. Install the cam nut (3) to the lower control arm.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the cam nut to 145 N·m (107 lb ft).


    Object Number: 629214  Size: SH
  9. Install the spring jounce bumper to the spring.
  10. Index and install the spring insulator to the spring (2).
  11. Index and install the spring assembly to the control arms (1).

  12. Object Number: 629521  Size: SH
  13. Use the utility stand in order to raise the lower control arm.

  14. Object Number: 629211  Size: SH
  15. Install the lower ball joint to the knuckle.
  16. Install the lower ball joint nut.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the lower ball joint nut to 35 N·m (26 lb ft) plus 130 degrees.

  18. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  19. Install the park brake cable bolt to the control arm.

  20. Object Number: 629523  Size: SH
  21. Connect the speed sensor harness to the control arm.
  22. Install the speed sensor connector mounting bracket.
  23. Connect the speed sensor harnesses.
  24. Connect the shock absorber to the lower control arm. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  25. Connect the height sensor link to the lower control arm as necessary.
  26. Install the brake caliper. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  27. Install the rear wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  28. Lower the vehicle.