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Home >> Pontiac >> 2004 >> Aztek Base, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 38 (Rear Suspension System) >> Repair Instructions >> Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement >> Removal Procedure

Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: Tools Required 
  • J 33432-A Transverse Spring Compressor
  • J 42188 Ball Joint Separator
  1. Raise and support the vehicle.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in TIRES AND WHEELS article.
  3. Measure the spring stud height (1) before removing the transverse spring mounting bolt. See Figure.
  4. Install J 33432-A to the spring. See Fig 1.
  5. Compress the spring.
  6. Remove the nuts, bolts (2), and insulators retaining the transverse spring to the lower control arm. See Fig 2.
  7. Remove the transverse spring from the control arm.
  8. Support the lower control arm with a jack stand.
  9. Disconnect the shock absorber from the lower control arm. See Figure.
    NOTE: The ball joint must be prevented from rotating. Use a TORX® inserted into the top of the ball stud while removing the ball stud nut.
  10. Loosen, but do not remove the upper ball joint stud nut.
  11. Use the J 42188 in order to separate the upper ball joint stud from the suspension knuckle.
  12. Remove the J 42188 and the upper ball joint stud nut from the suspension knuckle.
  13. Remove the nut from the wheel drive shaft on the suspension knuckle.
  14. Loosen, but do not remove the lower ball joint stud nut. See Figure.
  15. Separate the lower ball joint stud from the suspension knuckle using J 42188.
  16. Remove J 42188 and the lower ball joint stud nut from the suspension knuckle.
  17. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm. See Fig 3.
  18. Mark the position of, and then remove the cam bolts, washers, and nuts retaining the control arm to the crossmember. See Fig 4.
  19. Remove the jack stand.
  20. Remove the lower control arm from the vehicle.
Fig 1: Installing J 33432-A To Spring
G00371762Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Fig 2: Removing Transverse Spring
G00371781Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Fig 3: Removing Stabilizer Shaft Link From Lower Control Arm
G00371764Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Fig 4: Removing Lower Control Arm
G00371782Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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