GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 33432-A Transverse Spring Compressor
    • J-42188-B Ball Joint Separator

Removal Procedure

  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. Object Number: 925362  Size: SH
  4. Disconnect the suspension position sensor link, if equipped from the control arm link stud.
  5. Install the J 33432-A from the transverse spring.

  6. Object Number: 65323  Size: SH

    Important: During this procedure, use care not to scratch the transverse spring.

  7. Using J 33432-A , compress the transverse spring.

  8. Object Number: 906234  Size: SH
  9. Disconnect the shock absorber from the lower control arm. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement.

  10. Object Number: 922513  Size: SH

    Important: Use an Allen wrench in the end of the ball stud to prevent the stud from rotating while removing the nut. Do Not use power tools.

  11. Using HAND TOOLS ONLY loosen, but do not remove the lower ball joint stud nut.
  12. Using J-42188-B separate the lower ball joint stud from the suspension knuckle.

  13. Object Number: 65328  Size: SH
  14. Using a back-up wrench to prevent the link stud from rotating, remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm.

  15. Object Number: 922512  Size: SH
  16. Support the lower control arm with a jackstand.
  17. Mark the position of, and then remove the cam bolts, washers, and nuts retaining the control arm to the crossmember.
  18. Remove the jack stand from under the lower control arm.
  19. Remove the lower control arm from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Notice: Do not remove the transverse leaf spring compressor tool until after the shock absorber has been installed. The pad on the transverse leaf spring bolt could move out of position resulting in damage to the pad or a rattle in the suspension.


    Object Number: 922512  Size: SH
  1. Install the lower control arm to the vehicle.
  2. Support the lower control arm with a jack stand.
  3. Install the cam bolts, washers, and nuts retaining the lower control arm to crossmember.
  4. 3.1. Place the cam bolts at the position marked during removal.
    3.2. Due to a required wheel alignment, tighten the cam bolts but do not set them to the final torque specification at this time.

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 922513  Size: SH

    Important: Use an Allen wrench in the end of the ball stud to prevent the stud from rotating while removing the nut. Do Not use power tools.

  5. Install the lower control arm ball joint stud into the suspension knuckle.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the lower control arm ball joint stud nut to 30 N·m (22 lb ft) plus 180 degrees.


    Object Number: 922511  Size: SH
  7. Using a back-up wrench to prevent the link stud from rotating, install the stabilizer shaft link to the control arm.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nut to 72 N·m (53 lb ft).


    Object Number: 906234  Size: SH
  9. Install the shock absorber to the lower control arm. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement.
  10. Remove the jackstand.
  11. Release and remove J 33432-A from the transverse spring.

  12. Object Number: 925362  Size: SH
  13. Connect the suspension position sensor link, if equipped to the control arm link stud.
  14. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  15. Perform a rear wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement.
  16. Tighten

        • Tighten the lower control arm front cam bolt to 145 N·m (107 lb ft).
        • Tighten the lower control arm rear cam bolt to 95 N·m (70 lb ft).