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Home >> GMC >> 2003 >> Safari Van Cargo, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Suspension >> Front Suspension >> Front Suspension System >> Repair Instructions >> Upper Ball Joint Replacement (RWD) >> Installation Procedure

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the upper ball joint to the upper control arm.
    NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notice.
  2. Install the upper ball joint to upper control arm mounting bolts and nuts.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the upper ball joint to upper control arm mounting nuts to 30 N.m <22 lb ft).

    Fig 1: Installing Upper Ball Joint To Upper Control Arm
    G01646219Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  3. Remove the steering knuckle support.
  4. Connect the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle.
  5. Install the upper ball joint retaining nut.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the upper ball joint retaining nut to 83 N.m (61 lb ft).

  6. Install a new cotter pin. Tighten the nut up to an additional 1/4 amount in order to insert the cotter pin through the upper ball joint stud. Bend the pin ends flat against the nut flats.
    Fig 2: Installing Upper Ball Joint Retaining Nut And Cotter Pin
    G01646220Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  7. Connect the wheel speed sensor connector.
  8. Install the upper ball joint fitting.
  9. Using a grease gun, grease the upper ball joint until grease appears at the upper ball joint grease seal.
  10. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
  11. Remove the safety stands from the lower control arm.
  12. Lower the vehicle.
  13. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES in Wheel Alignment.


  1. Install the upper ball joint to the upper control arm.
    NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
  2. Install the upper ball joint to the upper control arm mounting bolts and nuts.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the upper ball joint to the upper control arm mounting nuts to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).

    Fig 1: Installing Upper Ball Joint To Upper Control Arm
    G01646229Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  3. Install the speed sensor bracket to the upper control arm mounting bolt and nut.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the wheel sensor bracket to upper control arm mounting nut to 16 N.m (12 lb ft).

    Fig 2: Installing Speed Sensor Bracket To Upper Control Arm Mounting Bolt And Nut
    G01646230Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  4. Install the brake hose bracket to the upper control arm mounting bolt and nut.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the brake hose bracket to upper control arm mounting nut to N.m (12 lb ft).

    Fig 3: Installing Brake Hose Bracket To Upper Control Arm Mounting Bolt And Nut
    G01646231Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Connect the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle.
    Fig 4: Connecting Upper Ball Joint To Steering Knuckle
    G01646232Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Install the upper ball joint to steering knuckle retaining nut.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the upper ball joint to steering knuckle retaining nut to 98 N.m (72 lb ft).

  7. Install a new cotter pin; Tighten the nut up to an additional 1/8 amount in order to insert the cotter pin through the upper pin ball joint stud. Bend the pin against the nut flats.
  8. Install the upper ball joint grease fitting.
  9. Using a grease gun, grease the upper ball joint until grease appears at the upper ball joint grease seal.
  10. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
  11. Remove the safety stand from the lower control arm.
  12. Lower the vehicle.
  13. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT in Wheel Alignment.
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