FixVault

Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Cadillac STS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Remove the air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement .
  4. Fig 1: Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Nut
    GM1689972Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Remove the stabilizer shaft link lower nut (1).
  6. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm.
  7. Remove the ABS wire harness from the lower control arm.
  8. NOTE: The ball stud must not rotate during disassembly or reassembly. Hand tools must be used to keep the ball stud from rotating. If air tools are used and the stud is allowed to rotate, damage to the ball stud and/or stud mounting hole may occur.
  9. Remove the lower ball joint nut (2).
  10. Use the J 43631  to separate the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle.
  11. Fig 2: Shock Yoke Nut
    GM1689979Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  12. Remove the shock yoke nut (1).
  13. Remove the yoke from the stud on the lower control arm.
  14. IMPORTANT: Raise the power steering gear to provide clearance when removing the rear lower control arm to frame retaining bolt.
    Fig 3: View Of Power Steering Gear Retaining Bolts
    GM874631Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  15. Loosen the power steering gear retaining bolts and raise the power steering gear.
  16. Fig 4: Lower Control Arm Components
    GM1689984Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  17. Remove the lower control arm to cradle nuts (1).
  18. Remove the lower control arm to cradle bolts (2).
  19. Remove the lower control arm (3) from the vehicle.