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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2003TRAILBLAZER 4.2 S, 4WDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 1280 (FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM)REPAIR INSTRUCTIONSFRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER REPLACEMENT (AWD)INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4.2 S, 4WD

Installation Procedure

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4.2 S, 4WDSECTION Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

If you are installing the crossmember WITH the steering gear, install the steering gear to the crossmember. Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT (FWD) or POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT (AWD) in Power Steering.
Install the following components to the crossmember. Refer to STABILIZER SHAFT REPLACEMENT (FWD) or STABILIZER SHAFT REPLACEMENT (AWD) .
- The 2 stabilizer shaft link nuts
- The 2 stabilizer shaft links
- The 4 stabilizer shaft insulator clamp bolts
- The 2 stabilizer shaft insulator clamps
- The 2 stabilizer shaft insulators
- The stabilizer shaft
Important: DO NOT tighten the nut and bolts completely. The weight of the vehicle must be on the tire and wheel assemblies before tightening the nut and the bolts.
Install the following components to the crossmember:
- The left lower control arm (2)
- The 2 bolts (1,4)
- The nut (3)
Important: DO NOT tighten the nut and bolts completely. The weight of the vehicle must be on the tire and wheel assemblies before tightening the nut and the bolts.
Install the following components to the crossmember:
- The right lower control arm
- The 2 bolts
- The nut
Use a jack in order to raise and support the crossmember with the attached components as a unit.
Insert a wood dowel (1) into the hole in the right side of the crossmember (3) and the hole in the body.
Use the dowel in order to align the bolt holes.

Fig 2: Aligning Bolt Holes
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the 2 bolts (1,2) to the crossmember.
Insert a wood dowel into the hole in the left side of the crossmember and the hole in the body.
Use the dowel in order to align the bolt holes.

Fig 3: Installing Bolts To Crossmember
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the 2 bolts to the crossmember (3,4).

Fig 4: Installing Bolts To Crossmember
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Insert a wood dowel into the hole in the right side of the crossmember and the hole in the body.
Use the dowel in order to align the bolt holes.
NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE .
Tighten the bolt (7).
Tighten

Tighten the bolt to 157 N.m (115.8 lb ft).
Tighten the bolt (1).
Tighten

Tighten the bolt to 113 N.m (83.3 lb ft).
Insert a wood dowel into the hole in the left side of the crossmember and the hole in the body.
Use the dowel in order to align the bolt holes.
Tighten the bolt (4).
Tighten

Tighten the bolt to 157 N.m (115.8 lb ft).
Tighten the bolt (3).
Tighten

Tighten the bolt to 113 N.m (83.3 lb ft).
Remove the jack from the crossmember.
Install the 2 nuts (2,5) and the bolt (6).
Tighten

Tighten the nuts and the bolt to 52 N.m (38.4 lb ft).
If you are installing the crossmember WITHOUT the steering gear, complete the following steps:
1. 22.1. Install the 2 nuts (6,7) and the 2 bolts (12,13).
  Tighten
  
  Tighten the bolts to 127 N.m (93.7 lb ft).
2. 22.2. Remove the wire from the steering gear (11).
Fig 5: Installing Crossmember Without Steering Gear
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the following to the left front control arm:
- The 2 nuts (1,2)
- The bolt (3)
  Tighten
  
  Tighten the 2 nuts and the bolt to 89 N.m (65.6 lb ft).
Install the following to the right front control arm:
- The 2 nuts
- The bolt
  Tighten
  
  Tighten the 2 nuts and the bolt to 89 N.m (65.6 lb ft).
Install the left engine splash shield. Refer to SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT - ENGINE - LEFT in Body Front End.
Install the right engine splash shield. Refer to SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT - ENGINE - RIGHT in Body Front End.
Use a 6 mm wrench in order to hold the left front stabilizer shaft link stud. Install the nut and the stud to the strut bracket (1).

Fig 7: Installing Nut And Stud To Strut Bracket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Tighten

Tighten the nut to 74 N.m (54.6 lb ft).
Use a 6 mm wrench in order to hold the right front stabilizer shaft link stud. Install the nut and the stud to the strut bracket.
Tighten

Tighten the nut to 74 N.m (54.6 lb ft).
Install the front tire and wheel assemblies to the vehicle. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
Lower the vehicle.
Remove the Engine Support Fixture.
If you are installing the crossmember WITH the steering gear, install the following components. Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT (FWD) or POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT (AWD) in Power Steering.
- The lower steering shaft coupling bolt
- The steering column hole cover
- The 2 outer tie rod ends
- The pressure and return pipes
- The pipe bracket
With the weight of the vehicle on the tire and wheel assemblies, push down on the front bumper 3 times in order to bounce the vehicle and stabilize the suspension.
Tighten the nut (3) and the 2 bolts (1,4) on the left lower control arm.

Fig 8: Locating Nut And Bolts On Lower Control Arm
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Tighten

Tighten the nut and the 2 bolts to 137 N.m (101.0 lb ft).
Tighten the nut and the 2 bolts on the right lower control arm.
Tighten

Tighten the nut and the 2 bolts to 137 N.m (101.0 lb ft).
Measure the wheel alignment. Adjust if necessary. Refer to MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT in Wheel Alignment.