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Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Cadillac CTS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Install the lower control arm to the vehicle.
  2. Install the lower control arm mounting bolts.
  3. Adjust the lower control arm to Z height. Refer to Trim Height Specifications   in Suspension General Diagnosis.
    NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
  4. Install the lower control arm mounting nuts.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the nuts to 135 N.m (100 lb ft).

    Fig 1: Lower Control Arm
    G02085724Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Install the ABS wire harness to the lower control arm.
    Fig 2: ABS Wire Harness
    G02085725Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Connect the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle.
  7. Install a new lower ball joint retaining nut.
  8. Tighten the lower ball joint retaining nut in the following order:

    Tighten 

    1. 8.1. Tighten the nut to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).
    2. 8.2. Tighten the nut to an additional 210 degree turn.
      Fig 3: Lower Ball Joint Retaining Nut
      G02085726Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Install the upper control arm to the steering knuckle.
  10. Install the upper control arm pinch bolt and nut.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the bolt to 60 N.m (44 lb ft).

    Fig 4: Upper Control Arm Pinch Bolt
    G02085727Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. Connect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle.
  12. Install the outer tie rod retaining nut.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the nut to 75 N.m (55 lb ft).

    Fig 5: Outer Tie Rod
    G02085728Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  13. Install the shock module lower retaining bolts (1).

    Tighten 

    Tighten the bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).

    Fig 6: Shock Lower Retaining Bolts
    G02085729Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  Apply threadlocker 242 or equivalent to the threads of the stabilizer shaft link.

  14. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm.
  15. Install the stabilizer shaft link retaining nut.

    Tighten 

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

  16. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
  17. Lower the vehicle.
  18. Align the front end. Refer to MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT in Wheel Alignment.
    Fig 7: Stabilizer Shaft Link To Lower Control Arm
    G02085730Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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