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 tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Drill a pilot hole through the rivets.
  4. Drill the remainder of the rivets.
  5. Use a hammer and a chisel in order to remove the remainder of the rivet heads.
  6. Remove the cotter pin from the ball stud.
  7. Loosen the ball stud nut.

  8. Object Number: 378908  Size: SH
  9. Install theJ 41820 over the ball stud and lower control arm.
  10. Rotate the ball stud nut counterclockwise in order to separate the ball stud from the steering knuckle.
  11. Remove theJ 41820 .
  12. Remove the ball stud nut.

  13. Object Number: 385752  Size: SH
  14. Remove the ball stud from the lower control arm.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 385752  Size: SH
  1. Install the ball stud to the lower control arm.

  2. Object Number: 385756  Size: SH
  3. Install the NEW ball stud bolts facing down, away from the ball stud.
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Install the NEW ball stud nuts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the NEW ball stud nuts to 68 N·m (50 lb ft).

  7. Install the ball stud to the steering knuckle.
  8. Install the ball stud castle nut.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 20 N·m (15 lb ft) plus an additional 120 degrees


    Object Number: 384428  Size: SH
  10. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends.
  11. Install the tire and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  12. Lower the vehicle.
  13. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.