Front Suspension System — Chevrolet Corvette C6 (2004-2014)

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Application	Specification
Application	Metric	English
Crossmember Mounting Nuts (Use New Nuts)	110 N.m	81 lb ft
Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Stud Nut
First Pass	30 N.m	20 lb ft
Final Pass	180 degrees
Power Steering Gear Mounting Bolts	100 N.m	74 lb ft
Shock Absorber Lower Mounting Nuts	28 N.m	21 lb ft
Shock Absorber Upper Mounting Nut	26 N.m	19 lb ft
Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Clamp Bolts	58 N.m	43 lb ft
Stabilizer Shaft Link Nuts	76 N.m	56 lb ft
Transverse Spring Retainer Bolts (Use New Bolts)	62 N.m	46 lb ft
Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Stud Nut
First Pass	30 N.m	22 lb ft
Final Pass	225 degrees
Upper Control Arm Mounting Bolts	65 N.m	48 lb ft
Wheel Hub/Bearing Mounting Bolts	130 N.m	96 lb ft

Removal Procedure

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Remove the stabilizer shaft link nuts from the stabilizer shaft.
Remove the stabilizer shaft insulator clamps from the front crossmember.
Remove the stabilizer shaft from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

Install the stabilizer shaft, insulator clamps and bolts to the crossmember.
Install the stabilizer shaft links to the stabilizer shaft.
Install the stabilizer shaft link nuts. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nuts to 76 N.m (56 lb ft).
Install the stabilizer shaft insulator clamp bolts. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer shaft insulator clamp bolts to 58 N.m (43 lb ft).
Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Lower the vehicle.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Remove the stabilizer shaft link nuts.
Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the stabilizer shaft and lower control arm.

Install the stabilizer shaft link into the stabilizer shaft and lower control arm.
Install the stabilizer shaft link nuts. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nuts to 76 N.m (56 lb ft).
Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Lower the vehicle.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Remove the stabilizer shaft from the vehicle. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the stabilizer shaft insulators from the stabilizer shaft.

Install the stabilizer shaft insulators to the stabilizer shaft.
Install the stabilizer shaft to the vehicle. Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 58 N.m (43 lb ft).
Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Lower the vehicle.

Special Tools

J 33432-A Leaf Spring Compressor
J 42188 Ball Joint Separator

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
If the transverse spring is to be replaced, measure the front spring adjuster bolt gap (1). This measurement will be used in the installation procedure to setup the vehicle trim height.
Install the transverse spring compressor J 33432-A to the transverse spring.
Compress the transverse spring.
Remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolts from one of the lower control arms.
Disconnect the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm.
Loosen the lower ball joint stud nut (2) on the lower control arm. Do not remove the nut.
Separate the lower the ball joint from the steering knuckle using ball joint separator tool J 42188 .
Remove the ball joint separator tool.
Remove the lower ball joint stud nut and discard.
Support the lower control arms with jackstands.
Mark the position of the cam bolts for reference at reinstallation.
Remove the cam bolts from the lower control arm.
Remove the lower control arm.
Remove the transverse spring bolts and retainers.
Discard the old transverse spring bolts.
Remove the transverse spring from the vehicle.
Remove the transverse spring compressor from the transverse spring, if the spring is to be replaced.

Install the transverse spring compressor J 33432-A to the transverse spring.
Install the transverse spring to the crossmember.
Install the transverse spring retainers and bolts (use new bolts) to the crossmember. Tighten: Tighten the transverse spring retainer bolts (use new bolts) to 62 N.m (46 lb ft).
Install the lower control arm to the front crossmember.
Install the cam bolts to the position that was marked during disassembly. Due to a required wheel alignment, tighten the cam bolts but do not set to the final torque specification at this time.
Install the lower control arm ball joint stud to the steering knuckle. Tighten: Tighten the lower control arm ball joint stud nut to 30 N.m (20 lb ft) plus 180 degrees.
Support the lower control arm with a jackstand.
Install the shock absorber lower mounting bolts. Tighten: Tighten the shock absorber lower mounting nuts to 28 N.m (21 lb ft).
Connect the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer link nut to 72 N.m (53 lb ft).
Remove the J 33432-A transverse spring compressor from the transverse spring.
Remove the jackstands from the lower control arms.
Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Adjust the front trim height. Refer to «Trim Height Specifications»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__trim-height-specifications) .
Perform a front wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) .

Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement

The upper ball joint is replaced as part of the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement .

CAUTION

The Front and Rear Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensors are not interchangeable. When you are replacing a Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensor be sure to use the correct Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensor part number. Do not mount the Rear Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensor in the front steering knuckle. The Rear Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensor features a splined hole through the center of the bearing which mates to the drive axle. The Rear Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensor requires the support of the drive axle and the drive axle nut clamped joint to properly carry the vehicle loads. Mounting the Rear Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensor in the front steering knuckle can cause bearing failure and possible damage to the vehicle.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
Remove the brake rotor from the knuckle. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (JL9, J55, J56)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) or «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J57)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm. Refer to «Front Transverse Spring Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Support the lower control arm using a jackstand.
Separate the outer tie rod ball stud from the steering knuckle. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the knuckle assembly from the vehicle.
Remove the wheel hub mounting bolts.
Remove the hub and bearing assembly from the steering knuckle.

Install the hub and bearing assembly into the steering knuckle.
Install the wheel hub mounting bolts to 130 N.m (96 lb ft).
Install the lower control arm ball stud to the steering knuckle. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the jackstand.
Install the steering linkage outer tie rod ball stud to the steering knuckle. Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Install the brake rotor on the knuckle. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (JL9, J55, J56)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) or «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J57)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) and «Front Brake Caliper Replacement (JL9, J55)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) or «Front Brake Caliper Replacement (J56)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) or «Front Brake Caliper Replacement (J57)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Lower the vehicle.

J-42188-B Ball Joint Separator. See Special Tools .

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the brake caliper and rotor. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (JL9, J55, J56)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) or «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J57)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) and «Front Brake Caliper Replacement (JL9, J55)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) or «Front Brake Caliper Replacement (J56)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) or «Front Brake Caliper Replacement (J57)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm.
Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
Support the lower control arm using a jackstand.
Separate the steering linkage outer tie rod ball stud from the steering knuckle using J 42188 . Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
Separate and remove the upper control arm ball joint stud from the steering knuckle using J 42188 . Refer to «Upper Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Using J 42188 separate and remove the lower ball joint stud from the steering knuckle. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.

Install steering knuckle to the upper control arm and the lower control arm. Refer to «Upper Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) and «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the jackstand.
Install the steering linkage outer tie rod ball stud to the steering knuckle. Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nut to 72 N.m (53 lb ft).
Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
Install the brake rotor and caliper. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (JL9, J55, J56)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) or «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J57)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) and «Front Brake Caliper Replacement (JL9, J55)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) or «Front Brake Caliper Replacement (J56)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) or «Front Brake Caliper Replacement (J57)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Lower the vehicle.
Check the front wheel toe and adjust as necessary. Refer to «Diagnostic Starting Point - Disc Brakes»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__diagnostic-starting-point-disc-brakes) «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) .

J-42188-B Ball Joint Separator. See Special Tools .

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Disconnect the electronic suspension control (ESC) sensor link.
Support the lower control arm with a jackstand.
Loosen the ball joint stud nut but do not remove the nut.
Using tool J-42188-B separate the upper ball joint stud from the upper control arm. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the upper control arm bolts and shims. Note the number and position of the shims for installation purposes.
Remove the upper control arm from the vehicle.

Install the upper control arm to the vehicle.
Install the upper control arm shims.
Install the upper control arm mounting bolts to the upper control arm and frame rail. Tighten: Tighten the upper control arm mounting bolts to 65 N.m (48 lb ft).
Install the upper ball joint stud into the upper control arm. It will be necessary to use an allen wrench to keep the ball joint stud from spinning while tightening the ball joint stud nut. Tighten: Tighten the upper control arm ball joint stud nut to 20 N.m (15 lb ft) plus 250 degrees.
Connect the ESC sensor link.
Remove the jackstand.
Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Lower the vehicle.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Remove the front transverse spring. Refer to «Front Transverse Spring Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Disconnect the electrical connector from the wheel speed sensor.
Disconnect the electronic suspension control (ESC) electrical connector from the shock, if equipped.
Remove the shock absorber from the lower control arm. Refer to «Shock Absorber Replacement (With F55)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) or «Shock Absorber Replacement (w/o F55)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system)
Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system)
Remove the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system)
Mark the position of the cam bolts for orientation when installing.
Remove the cam bolts, washers, and nuts retaining the control arm to the crossmember. ZR1 and Z06, discard the cam bolts.
Remove the lower control arm from the vehicle.

Install the lower control arm in the vehicle.
Install the cam bolts, washers, and nuts retaining control arm to the crossmember. ZR1 and Z06, use NEW cam bolts.
Support the lower control arm with a jackstand.
Install the lower ball joint in the steering knuckle. Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Install the front transverse spring Refer to «Front Transverse Spring Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Install the shock absorber to the lower control arm. Refer to «Shock Absorber Replacement (With F55)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) or «Shock Absorber Replacement (w/o F55)»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Connect the ESC electrical connector to the shock, if equipped.
Connect the electrical connector to the wheel speed sensor.
Remove the jackstands.
Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Lower the vehicle.
Perform a front wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) .

Tool Required

J 43631 Ball Joint Remover. See Special Tools .

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Remove the front wheel hub/speed sensor assembly. Refer to «Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Install tool J 43631 onto the wheel hub and stud. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Turn the forcing screw in until the stud is pushed out of the wheel hub.

Place a new stud in the wheel hub.
Install some washers onto the wheel stud.
With the flat side of a wheel nut (2) against the washers, tighten the wheel nut until the wheel stud head seats against the wheel hub flange.
Remove the wheel nut and washers.
Install the wheel hub/speed sensor assembly into the steering knuckle. Refer to «Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Lower the vehicle.

J 33432-A Transverse Spring Compressor
J 43822 Shock Support Tool. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

Disconnect the front shock ESC harness connector.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Using only hand tools, remove the upper mounting nut, insulator retainer and insulator.
Remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolts and nuts.
Using a pry bar, compress the shock absorber from the bottom upward.
While the shock is in the compressed position, install the J 43822 . See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle.
Remove the J 43822 from the shock absorber. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the insulator and insulator retainer from the shock absorber.

Install the J 43822 to the shock absorber. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Install the insulator and insulator retainer to the shock absorber.
Position the shock absorber between the upper shock support and lower control arm.
Install the insulator, insulator retainer and nut to the upper shock shaft and tighten to 26 N.m (19 lb ft).
Remove the J 43822 from the shock absorber. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Using the J 33432-A , compress the coil spring.
Raise the lower control arm to the shock absorber lower mounting and install the bolts and nuts and tighten to 28 N.m (21 lb ft).
Remove the J 33432-A from the coil spring.
Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Lower the vehicle.
Connect the ESC harness connector. Check the connection by lightly pulling upwards on the connector.

J 33432-A Leaf Spring Compressor
J 43822 Shock Remover/Installer. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Disconnect the electronic suspension control electrical connector from the shock, if equipped.
Remove the upper mounting nut, insulator retainer, and insulator.
Remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolts and nuts.
Remove the shock absorber from the upper shock tower and the vehicle.
Remove the insulator and retainer from shock absorber.
For vehicles equipped with heavy duty shocks (FE3) perform the following steps. NOTE: During this procedure, use care not to scratch the transverse spring. Perform steps 1-4. Using a pry bar compress the shock absorber from the bottom upward. Install the J 43822 to the shock absorber while the shock is compressed. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . Remove the shock absorber from the shock tower and the vehicle. Remove J 43822 from the shock absorber. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

Install the retainer and insulator to the shock absorber.
Install the shock absorber to the upper shock tower.
Install the upper insulator, retainer, and nut. Tighten: Tighten the shock absorber upper mounting nut to 26 N.m (19 lb ft).
Install the shock absorber lower mounting bolts and nuts. Tighten: Tighten the shock absorber lower mounting nuts to 28 N.m (21 lb ft).
Connect the electronic suspension control electrical connector to the shock, if equipped.
Remove J 33432-A from the spring.
Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Lower the vehicle.
For vehicles equipped with heavy duty shocks (FE3) perform the following steps. Install the J 43822 to the shock absorber. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . Install the shock absorber into the vehicle. Install the upper insulator, retainer, and nut. Tighten: Tighten the shock absorber upper mounting nut to 26 N.m (19 lb ft). Remove J 43822 from the shock absorber. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . Install J 33432-A to the spring and compress. Raise the lower control arm and install the shock absorber lower mounting bolts and nuts. Tighten: Tighten the shock absorber lower mounting nuts to 28 N.m (21 lb ft). Remove J 33432-A from the spring. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/corvette/c6-2004-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) . Lower the vehicle.

Suspension Shock/Strut Disposal

WARNING

Gas charged shock absorbers contain high pressure gas. Do not remove the snap ring from inside the top of the tube. If the snap ring is removed, the contents of the shock absorber will come out with extreme force which may result in personal injury.

WARNING

To prevent personal injury, wear safety glasses when centerpunching and drilling the shock absorber. Use care not to puncture the shock absorber tube with the centerpunch.

Make an indentation 10 mm (0.4 in) from the bottom (4) of the tube (3) using a centerpunch.
Clamp the shock absorber in a vise horizontally with the shock absorber rod (1) completely extended.
Drill a hole in the shock absorber at the centerpunch (4) using a 5 mm (3/16 in) drill bit. Gas or a gas/oil mixture will exhaust when the drill bit penetrates the shock absorber. Use shop towels in order to contain the escaping oil.
Make an indentation in the middle (2) of the tube (3) with a centerpunch.
Drill a second hole in the shock absorber at the centerpunch (2) using a 5 mm (3/16 in) drill bit. Oil will exhaust when the drill bit penetrates the shock absorber. Use shop towels in order to contain the escaping oil.
Remove the shock absorber from the vise. Hold the shock absorber over a drain pan horizontally with the holes down. Move the rod (1) in and out of the tube (3) to completely drain the oil from the shock absorber.

Front Suspension Description and Operation

The front suspension uses a single lightweight fiberglass transverse spring mounted to the lower control arms.

The upper control arms are made of high-strength forged aluminum. The lower control arms, the crossmember and the steering knuckles are made of cast aluminum.

The hub and bearing assembly is a sealed unit. The hub and bearing assembly eliminates the need for wheel bearing adjustment. The hub and bearing assembly requires no maintenance.

The high-strength tubular steel stabilizer shaft provides stability.

The shock absorbers attach at the upper end to the frame and attach at the lower control arm. The shock absorber helps keep the wheel in contact with the road surface under most road conditions. The shock absorber reduces crash-through at full jounce and rebound.

The standard gas shocks and the optional Electronic Suspension Control (ESC) shock absorbers are gas charged to reduce aeration (foaming) of the shock fluid. Aeration of the shock fluid results in unlimited damping control.

Illustration Tool Number/Description J-33432-A Leaf Spring Compressor J-42188-B Ball Joint Separator J-43631 Ball Joint Remover J-43822 Shock Remover/Installer