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Front Suspension System Chevrolet Camaro V

Suspension Front 9 illustrations ~1819 words

Fastener Tightening Specifications

ApplicationSpecification
MetricEnglish
Front Lower Control Arm Adjuster Nut50 N.m Plus an additional 150 degrees37 lb ft Plus an additional 150 degrees
Front Lower Front Control Arm Nut at the Steering Knuckle40 N.m Plus an additional 90 degrees30 lb ft Plus an additional 90 degrees
Front Lower Rear Control Arm Nut at the Steering Knuckle40 N.m Plus an additional 90 degrees30 lb ft Plus an additional 90 degrees
Front Lower Rear Control Arm Bolt at the Frame50 N.m Plus an additional 120 degrees37 lb ft Plus an additional 120 degrees
Front Stabilizer Shaft Link Nut at the Front Strut50 N.m36 lb ft
Front Stabilizer Shaft Link Nut at the Stabilizer Shaft50 N.m36 lb ft
Front Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Clamp Nuts17 N.m13 lb ft
Front Suspension Strut Bolts at the Steering Knuckle80 N.m Plus an additional 180 degrees59 lb ft Plus an additional 180 degrees
Front Suspension Strut Nut at the Front Suspension Strut Mounting Plate70 N.m52 lb ft
Front Suspension Strut Nut at the Front Suspension Strut Insulator70 N.m52 lb ft
Front Wheel Bearing/Hub Bolts108 N.m79 lb ft

Scheme 5

Scheme 5: Stabilizer Shaft Replacement
Scheme 5: Stabilizer Shaft Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation . Remove the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement . Remove the stabilizer shaft links from the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement . Remove the stabilizer shaft insulators. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement .
1Front Stabilizer Shaft Tip: It maybe necessary to maneuver the stabilizer shaft in such away to remove it from the vehicle.

Scheme 6

Scheme 6: Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement
Scheme 6: Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the tire and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Front Stabilizer Shaft Nut (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tip: Use the appropriate size socket or wrench to hold the ball stud while removing the stabilizer shaft nut. After the nut has been removed, discard and replace with NEW. Tighten: 49 N.m (36 lb ft)
2Stabilizer Shaft Link
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 7

Scheme 7: Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement
Scheme 7: Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Front Stabilizer Shaft Clamp Nut (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tip: Discard the front stabilizer shaft clamp nut and replace with NEW. Tighten: 17 N.m (13 lb ft)
2Front Stabilizer Shaft Clamp
3Front Stabilizer Shaft Insulator
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 8

Scheme 8: Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement
Scheme 8: Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation . Remove the wheel speed sensor. Refer to Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement . Remove the front brake rotor. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement (LLT) or Front Brake Rotor Replacement (L99, LS3) .
1Front Wheel bearing Bolt (Qty: 3) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tip: If needed, remove the front brake splash shield. Refer to Front Brake Shield Replacement to gain access to the front wheel bearing/hub bolts. Tighten: 108 N.m (79 lb ft)
2Front Wheel Bearing/Hub Assembly Tip: Use the appropriate tool to separate the wheel bearing/hub from the wheel drive shaft.
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  3. Remove the speed sensor from the steering knuckle. Refer to «Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/anti-locktraction-control/#antilock-brake-system) .
  4. Paint a mark (2) on the steering knuckle (3) and the strut assembly (1).
  5. Remove the front suspension strut bolts (2) and nuts (1) from the strut assembly.
  6. Remove the wheel bearing/hub assembly from the steering knuckle. Refer to «Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  7. Remove the outer tie rod end from the knuckle. Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
  8. Remove the front lower control arm from the knuckle. Refer to «Front Lower Control Front Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  9. Remove the front rear lower control arm from the knuckle. Refer to «Front Lower Control Rear Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  10. Remove the steering knuckle (2) assembly.

Installation Procedure

  1. Position the steering knuckle (2) in the strut (1).
  2. Install the front suspension strut bolts (2) and nuts (1).
  3. Align the reference mark (2) on the steering knuckle (3) and the strut assembly (1).
  4. Install the front suspension strut bolts (2) and nuts (1) and tighten to 80 N.m (59 lb ft) plus an additional 180 degrees.
  5. Install the front lower control arm. Refer to «Front Lower Control Front Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  6. Install the front rear lower control arm. Refer to «Front Lower Control Rear Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  7. Install the outer tie rod end. Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
  8. Install the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to «Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  9. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  10. Install the speed sensor. Refer to «Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/anti-locktraction-control/#antilock-brake-system) .
  11. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  12. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
  13. Check and adjust the front wheel alignment, if needed. Refer to «Front Camber Adjustment»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system) .

Scheme 9

Scheme 9: Front Lower Control Rear Arm Replacement
Scheme 9: Front Lower Control Rear Arm Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Front Rear Lower Control Arm Nut CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Procedure Using the J-42188: separator, remove the front rear lower control arm from the knuckle. Using a torque angle meter, tighten the nut. Tip: If servicing the steering knuckle, it is NOT necessary to completely remove the lower control arm from the vehicle. Separate the lower control arm from the steering knuckle. Tighten: 40 N.m (30 lb ft) plus an additional 90 degrees Special Tools: J-42188: Ball Joint Separator For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .
2Front Lower Control Arm Rear Nut
3Front Lower Control Arm Bolt Tighten: 50 N.m (37 lb ft) plus an additional 120 degrees
4Front Lower Control Arm Procedure: Check and adjust the front wheel alignment, if needed. Refer to Front Camber Adjustment .
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Special Tools

J 42188: Ball Joint Separator

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

Note. If servicing the steering knuckle, it is NOT necessary to completely remove the lower control arm from the vehicle. Separate the lower control arm from the steering knuckle.

  1. Raise and Support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  3. Remove the lower control arm nut (1) and the bolt (2).
  4. Loosen, but DO NOT remove the front lower control arm nut (1).
  5. Using the J 42188: separator (3), separate the front lower control arm from the steering knuckle (1).
  6. Remove the front lower control nut (1) and the control arm (2) from the frame and the steering knuckle.
  1. Position the front lower control arm (2) in the frame and the steering knuckle.
  2. Install the front lower control arm bolt (2) and the nut (1).
  3. Install the front lower control arm nut (1).
  4. Using a torque angle meter, tighten the lower control arm nut (1) to 40 N.m (30 lb ft) plus an additional 90 degrees.
  5. Using a torque angle meter, tighten the front lower control arm nut (1) to 50 N.m (37 lb ft) plus an additional 150 degrees.
  6. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  7. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
  8. Check and adjust the front wheel alignment, if needed. Refer to «Front Camber Adjustment»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system) .

J 43631: Ball Joint Remover

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  3. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (LLT)»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) or «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (L99, LS3)»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
  4. Using the J 43631: remover (1), remove the wheel stud from the wheel bearing/hub.
  1. Install the new stud from the back side of the hub.
  2. Install flat washers on the wheel stud.
  3. With the flat side of a wheel nut against the washers, tighten the wheel nut until the wheel stud head seats against the wheel hub flange.
  4. Install the brake rotor. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (LLT)»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) or «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (L99, LS3)»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
  5. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  6. Lower the vehicle.

J 35669: Wrench

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the strut. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  4. Remove the wheel speed sensor from the strut and the steering knuckle. Refer to «Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/anti-locktraction-control/#antilock-brake-system) .
  5. Remove the front disc brake hose from the strut. Refer to «Front Brake Hose Replacement (LLT)»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#hydraulic-brake-system) or «Front Brake Hose Replacement (LS3, L99)»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#hydraulic-brake-system) .
  6. Paint a reference mark (2) of the strut (1) to the steering knuckle (3).
  7. Remove the front strut nuts (1) and the bolts (2).
  8. Using an hydraulic floor jack, support the steering knuckle.
  9. Remove the dust cover, if equipped.
  10. Using the J 35669: wrench (2) and a Torx® bit (1), loosen the front strut nut.
  11. Remove the front suspension nut (1) and front suspension mount (2).
  12. Remove the front suspension strut (1) from the vehicle.
  1. Position the front strut assembly (1) in the vehicle.
  2. Align the front strut (1) with the alignment mark (2).
  3. Install the front strut bolts (2).
  4. Install the nuts (1) and tighten to 80 N.m (59 lb ft) plus an additional 180 degrees.
  5. Install the front suspension strut mounting plate (2) and nut (1).
  6. Using the J 35669: wrench (2) and a Torx® bit (1), tighten the front suspension strut nut and tighten to 70 N.m (52 lb ft).
  7. Remove the hydraulic floor jack.
  8. Install the dust cover, if equipped.
  9. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  10. Install the wheel speed sensor. Refer to «Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/anti-locktraction-control/#antilock-brake-system) .
  11. Install the front brake hose. Refer to «Front Brake Hose Replacement (LLT)»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#hydraulic-brake-system) or «Front Brake Hose Replacement (LS3, L99)»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#hydraulic-brake-system) .
  12. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  13. Lower the vehicle.
  14. Check and adjust the front wheel alignment, if needed. Refer to «Front Camber Adjustment»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system) .
  1. CH-48845: Spring Compressor
  2. J-35669: Wrench

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

  1. Remove the front suspension strut assembly from the vehicle. Refer to «Strut Assembly Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  2. Position the front suspension strut assembly in the CH-48845: compressor (6)
  3. Using the J-35669: wrench (2) and a TORX® bit (1), hand tools compress the front spring until the front suspension strut moves freely.
  4. Remove the front suspension strut nut (1), front suspension strut mount retainer (2), front suspension strut mount (3), front suspension strut insulator (4), front suspension strut mount retainer (2), front suspension strut bumper (5), front spring (7), front spring insulator (8), and the front suspension strut (9).
  5. Replace any of the front suspension strut components that are found to be excessively worn or that are damaged.
  1. Position the front suspension strut (9) in the CH-48845: compressor (6).
  2. Install the front spring insulator (8), front spring (7), front suspension strut bumper (5), front suspension strut insulator (4), front suspension strut mount retainer (2), front suspension strut mount (3), front suspension strut mount retainer (2), and the front suspension strut nut (1).
  3. Using hand tools, slowly release the CH-48845: compressor (6) until the front spring contacts the upper front suspension strut insulator (4), and the lower front spring insulator (8).
  4. Using the J-35669: wrench (2) and the TORX® bit (1), tighten the front suspension strut nut to 70 N.m (52 lb ft).
  5. Install the front suspension strut assembly in the vehicle. Refer to «Strut Assembly Replacement»(/chevrolet/camaro/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

General Description

The front suspension has 2 primary purposes

  1. Isolate the driver from irregularities in the road surface.
  2. Define the ride and handling characteristics of the vehicle.

The front suspension absorbs the impact of the road wheel travelling over irregular road surfaces and dissipates this energy throughout the suspension system. This process isolates the vehicle occupants from the road surface. This process isolates the vehicle occupants from the road surface. The suspension system must allow for the vertical movement of the tire and wheel assembly as the vehicle travels over irregular road surfaces while maintaining the tire's horizontal relationship to the road.

The steering knuckle is connected to two lower control arms and a strut assembly. The lower control arms attach to the steering knuckle with balls joints at the outermost point. The upper portion of the steering knuckle is attached to a strut assembly by two bolts and nuts. The upper most hole in the strut is a slot which allows for front camber adjustment.

The strut assembly contains a spring, shock absorber, a jounce bumper, boot, and a top mount. The top mount includes a bearing to allow the strut assembly and knuckle to rotate when the steering wheel is turned. The strut assembly is a coil over shock design that bolts to the lower control arm and the body structure. The spring absorbs the movement of the knuckle as the wheel travels over rough roads. The shock absorber dampens the oscillations of the coil spring.

The lower control arms are connected to the vehicle frame through two rigid bushings which allow the control top pivot up and down with respect to the vehicle frame and body structure. The forward most attachment points uses a bolt with a cam and slotted hole to allow for caster adjustment. A ball joint at the outermost and of the control arm allows the steering knuckle to maintain the perpendicular relationship to the road surface and to rotate as the steering wheel is turned.

A stabilizer shaft is used to help reduce body roll when the vehicle is driven around a turn. The stabilizer shaft is mounted to the sub frame or front cradle by two clamps and insulators. A link is used to connect the ends of the stabilizer shaft to each front suspension strut assembly. Each link has a ball joint on each end.

Illustration Tool Number/ Description CH 48845 Spring Compressor J 35669 Wrench J 42188 Ball Joint Separator J 43631 Ball Joint Remover

Scheme 10

Scheme 10: Special Tools
Scheme 10: Special Tools

Scheme 11

Scheme 11
Scheme 11

Scheme 12

Scheme 12
Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Scheme 13
Scheme 13

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