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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2003TRAILBLAZER 4.2 S, 4WDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 570 (REAR SUSPENSION SYSTEM)REPAIR INSTRUCTIONSREAR AXLE LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENTREMOVAL PROCEDURE
2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4.2 S, 4WD

Removal Procedure

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4.2 S, 4WDSECTION 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.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.