GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

LOWER BALL JOINT SERVICE TIPS FOR PROPER SERVICING

WHEN SERVICING THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO ALIGN THE BROACHED NOTCH IN THE BALL JOINT STUD (THE CYLINDERICAL SHAFT THAT FITS INTO THE KNUCKLE) WITH THE CLAMP BOLT HOLE. THE CLAMP BOLT MUST ASSEMBLE FREELY WITHOUT INTERFERENCE WITH THE BALL JOINT STUD. CLAMP BOLT TORQUE IS IMPORTANT TO THE PERFORMANCE OF THE BALL JOINT STUD. TO INSURE PROPER BOLT TORQUE, REPLACE BOLT (P/N 14034747) AND NUT (P/N 11502812), PER THE SHOP MANUAL, EACH TIME VEHICLE SERVICE REQUIRES (SEPARATION REMOVAL OF THE BALL JOINT FROM THE KNUCKLE). CLAMP TORQUE SHOULD BE 50 N.M (37 LB. FT.). BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE HOLE DAMAGE, REPLACE THE KNUCLE WHEN SERVICING BALL JOINTS THAT ARE LOOSE IN THE KNUCKLE OR HAVE BROKEN STUDS.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.