Tools Required

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2003 GMC Yukon XL, 2003 GMC Yukon, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Supporting Lower Control Arm With Floor Stand

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important:

The vehicle must rest on a level surface.
The vehicle must be stable. Do not rock the vehicle on the floor stands.
The upper control arm bumper must not contact the frame.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
Support the lower control arm with a floor stand or jack, as far outboard as possible.
Important: If a seal is cut or torn, replace the ball joint.
Clean and inspect the ball joint seals for cuts or tears. If the ball joint seals are damaged, replace the ball joint. Refer to LOWER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT (COIL SPRING SUSPENSION) or LOWER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT (TORSION BAR SUSPENSION) or UPPER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
Check the wheel bearing for looseness. If looseness in the wheel bearing is present, refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis, See Wheel Bearing
Check the ball joints for horizontal looseness.
1. Position the J 8001 dial indicator against the lowest outboard point on the wheel rim.
2. Rock the wheel in and out while reading the dial indicator. This shows horizontal looseness in both joints.
3. The dial indicator reading should be no more than 2 mm (0.080 in). If the reading is too high, check the lower ball joints for vertical looseness.
Fig 2: Placing J 8001 Dial Indicator Against Spindle To Show Vertical Movement
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Do not pry between the lower arm and the wheel drive shaft boot or in such a manner that the ball joint seal is contacted. Damage to the wheel drive shaft boot will result (4WD).
For 4WD vehicles, place a J 8001 dial indicator (1) against the spindle in order to show vertical movement.

Fig 3: Prying Between Lower Control Arm & Outer Bearing Race While Reading Dial Indicator
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Pry between the lower control arm (2) and the outer bearing race (1) while reading the dial indicator. This shows vertical looseness in the lower ball joints. The lower ball joint may show some looseness.
If the dial indicator reading is more than 3.18 mm (0.125 in), replace the lower ball joint. Refer to LOWER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT (COIL SPRING SUSPENSION) or LOWER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT (TORSION BAR SUSPENSION) in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
If the lower ball joint is within specifications, and there is too much horizontal looseness, check the upper ball joint for wear,
1. Disconnect the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to UPPER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
2. If you find any looseness or can twist the upper ball joint stud with your fingers, replace the upper control arm. Refer to UPPER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM .