GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

J-42188-B Ball Joint Separator

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 65337  Size: SH
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  3. Remove the front transverse spring. Refer to Front Transverse Spring Replacement.

  4. Object Number: 919156  Size: SH
  5. Disconnect the electrical connector from the wheel speed sensor.

  6. Object Number: 906229  Size: SH
  7. Remove the shock absorber from the lower control arm.

  8. Object Number: 172678  Size: SH
  9. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm.
  10. Loosen the ball joint stud nut but do not remove the nut.

  11. Object Number: 340932  Size: SH
  12. Using J-42188-B , separate the lower ball joint (2) stud from the steering knuckle.
  13. Remove the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle.

  14. Object Number: 922461  Size: SH
  15. Mark the position of the cam bolts for orientation when installing.
  16. Remove the cam bolts, washers, and nuts retaining the control arm to the crossmember.
  17. Remove the lower control arm from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 922461  Size: SH
  1. Install the lower control arm to the vehicle.
  2. Install the cam bolts, washers, and nuts retaining control arm to the crossmember.
  3. 2.1. Place the cam bolts at the position marked during disassembly.
    2.2. Due to a required wheel alignment, tighten the cam bolts but do not set to final torque specifications at this time.
  4. Support the lower control arm with a jackstand.

  5. Object Number: 922462  Size: SH
  6. Install the lower ball joint stud to the steering knuckle.
  7. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  8. Install the lower control arm ball joint stud nut.
  9. It may be necessary to use an Allen wrench to keep the ball joint stud from spinning while tightening the ball joint stud nut. Tighten the lower control arm ball joint stud nut to 30 N·m (20 lb ft) plus 180 degrees.


    Object Number: 172678  Size: SH
  10. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm and tighten to 72 N·m (53 lb ft).

  11. Object Number: 65337  Size: SH
  12. Install the front transverse spring. Refer to Front Transverse Spring Replacement.
  13. Install the front transverse spring. Refer to Front Transverse Spring Replacement.

  14. Object Number: 906229  Size: SH
  15. Connect the shock absorber to the lower control arm and tighten to 28 N·m (21 lb ft).

  16. Object Number: 919156  Size: SH
  17. Connect the wheel speed sensor harness connector.
  18. Remove the jack stands.
  19. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  20. Lower the vehicle.
  21. Perform a front wheel alignment. Tighten the lower control arm cam bolt nuts to 170 N·m (125 lb ft). Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement.