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Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Avalanche - 2WD 🢒 Bulletins 🢒 SMU - Revised Upper Control Arm Replacement

SMU - Revised Upper Control Arm Replacement

Subject:Revised Upper Control Arm Replacement

Models:2003-2006 Cadillac Escalade Models
2003-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe Models
2003-2006 GMC Sierra, Yukon Models
2003-2006 HUMMER H2


This bulletin is being issued to revise the Upper Control Arm Replacement procedure in the Front Suspension sub-section of the Service Manual. Please replace the current information in the Service Manual with the following information.

The following information has been updated within SI. If you are using a paper version of this Service Manual, please make a reference to this bulletin on the affected page.

Use of special tool J 42188-B eliminates the need to remove the wheel drive shaft on 4WD models.

Upper Control Arm Replacement (Escalades, Avalanche, Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukons)

Tools Required

J 42188-B Ball Joint 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. Disconnect the electronic suspension control (ESC) link rod from the sensor, if equipped. Refer to Front Position Sensor Link Assembly - Electronic Suspension in Electronic Suspension Control.

    4. Object Number: 367084 Size: SH
  4. Remove the retaining bolt for the brake hose and the wheel speed sensor brackets.

    5. Object Number: 830521 Size: SH
  5. Remove the upper ball joint retaining nut.
  6. Disconnect the upper control arm from the steering knuckle using the J 42188-B .

    7. Object Number: 376754 Size: SH
  7. Remove the upper control arm nuts and the adjustment cams (2) for the 15 Series 2WD, 4WD, and 25/35 Series 2WD.
  8. Remove the upper control arm bolts (4) for the 15 Series 2WD, 4WD, and 25/35 Series 2WD.

    9. Object Number: 376756 Size: SH
  9. Remove the upper control arm nuts and the adjustment cams (2) for the 25/35 Series 4WD.
  10. Remove the upper control arm bolts (4) for the 25/35 Series 4WD.
  11. Remove the upper control arm.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the upper control arm.

    2. Object Number: 376756 Size: SH
  2. Install the upper control arm bolts (4) for the 25/35 Series 4WD.

    3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

  3. Install the upper control arm nuts and the adjustment cams (2) 25/35 Series 4WD.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 190 N·m (140 lb ft).


    Object Number: 376754 Size: SH
  4. Install the upper control arm bolts (4) for the 15 Series 2WD, 4WD, and 25/35 Series 2WD.
  5. Install the upper control arm nuts and the adjustment cams (2) for the 15 Series 2WD, 4WD, and 25/35 Series 2WD.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 190 N·m (140 lb ft).

  6. Connect the upper control arm to the steering knuckle .

    7. Object Number: 830521 Size: SH
  7. Install the new nut to the upper ball joint stud.

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).


    Object Number: 367084 Size: SH
  8. Install the retaining bolts for the brake hose and wheel speed sensor brackets.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

  9. Connect the ESC link rod to the sensor, if equipped. Refer to Front Position Sensor Link Assembly Replacement - Electronic Suspension in Electronic Suspension Control.
  10. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  11. Remove the safety stands.
  12. Lower the vehicle.
  13. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment in Wheel Alignment.

Upper Control Arm Replacement (H2)

Tools Required

J 42188-B Ball Joint 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. Remove the retaining bolt for the brake hose and the wheel speed sensor brackets.
  4. Remove the nut at the upper ball joint. Discard the nut.
  5. Disconnect the upper control arm from the steering knuckle using the J 42188-B .

    6. Object Number: 793281 Size: SH
  6. Remove the upper control arm nuts and the adjustment cams.
  7. Remove the upper control arm.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the upper control arm.

    2. Object Number: 793281 Size: SH

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

  2. Install the upper control arm bolts.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 190 N·m (140 lb ft).

  3. Connect the upper control arm to the steering knuckle .
  4. Install the new nut to the upper ball joint stud.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 50 N·m (39 lb ft).

  5. Install the retaining bolts for the brake hose and wheel speed sensor brackets.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

  6. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  7. Lower the vehicle.
  8. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.