Front Suspension System — Chevrolet Impala IX (2006-2016)

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Application	Specification
Application	Metric	English
1 Front Lower Control Arm Ball Stud to Steering Knuckle Nut	20 N.m + 120 degrees	15 lb ft + 120 degrees
Front Lower Control Ball Stud to Control Arm Nuts	68 N.m	50 lb ft
Front Lower Control Arm Mounting Nuts	125 N.m	92 lb ft
Front Stabilizer Shaft Bracket Bolt	42 N.m	31 lb ft
Front Stabilizer Shaft Link Nut	23 N.m	17 lb ft
Front Suspension Strut Mount to Body Nut	33 N.m	24 lb ft
Front Suspension Strut Rod to Strut Mount Nut	70 N.m	52 lb ft
Front Suspension Strut to Steering Knuckle Bolts	130 N.m	96 lb ft
Front Wheel Bearing/Hub Bolts	130 N.m	96 lb ft
Powertrain Cradle to Body Bolts (Front)	145 N.m	107 lb ft
Powertrain Cradle to Body Bolts (Rear)	160 N.m	118 lb ft
1 Tighten the nut to 20 N.m(15 lb ft) plus 2 nut flats (120°) to align the cotter pin hole with the front lower control arm ball stud. Turn the nut clockwise. DO NOT loosen the nut in order to align the cotter pin hole. Minimum torque is 55 N.m (41 lb ft).

Removal Procedure

WARNING

Failure to disconnect intermediate shaft from rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.

Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the left tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Remove the pinch bolt from the lower intermediate steering shaft. Refer to «Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/steering-column-switches/#steering-wheel-and-steering-column) .
Loosen all insulator clamp attaching bolts.
Place a jackstand under the center of the rear frame crossmember.
Remove the rear frame-to-body bolts.
Lower the rear of the frame just enough to gain access to the stabilizer shaft.
Remove the insulator clamp bolts and the clamps from the frame.
Remove the insulators from the stabilizer bar.
Remove the stabilizer bar links from the control arms. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Pull the stabilizer shaft rearward.
Swing the stabilizer shaft down to remove the stabilizer shaft from the left side of the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

WARNING

When installing the intermediate shaft make sure that the shaft is seated prior to pinch bolt installation. If the pinch bolt is inserted into the coupling before shaft installation, the two mating shafts may disengage. Disengagement of the two mating shafts will cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.

Insert the stabilizer shaft to the left side of the vehicle.
Loosely install the stabilizer shaft link at the control arm.
Install the insulators on to the stabilizer bar.
Connect the insulator clamps to the frame. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer shaft bracket bolt to 42 N.m (31 lb ft).
Raise the frame into position while you guide the steering shaft onto the gear.
Install the rear frame-to-body attaching bolts. Tighten: Tighten the frame to body attaching bolts to 160 N.m (118 lb ft).
Remove the jackstand.
Install the pinch bolt and tighten. Refer to «Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/steering-column-switches/#steering-wheel-and-steering-column) .
Install the left tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Lower the vehicle.
Support the weight of the vehicle by the control arms.
Tighten the stabilizer link nut. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nut to 23 N.m (17 lb ft).

Raise the vehicle and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Remove the stabilizer shaft link bolt and nut.
Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the vehicle.

Install the stabilizer link into the vehicle.
Install the stabilizer shaft link bolt and nut. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nut to 23 N.m (17 lb ft).
Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Lower the vehicle.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the left and right side stabilizer shaft insulator bracket bolts.
Remove the left and right side stabilizer shaft insulator brackets.
Remove the left and right side stabilizer shaft insulators (1) from the stabilizer shaft (2).

Install the left and right side stabilizer shaft insulators (1) to the stabilizer shaft (2).
Install the left and right side stabilizer shaft insulator brackets.
Install the left and right side stabilizer shaft insulator bracket bolts. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer shaft insulator bracket bolts to 42 N.m (31 lb ft).
Lower the vehicle.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the tires and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Remove the lower control arm. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Secure the lower control arm in a suitable vise.
Using the appropriate size drill, drill out the rivet heads from the lower control arm.
Using a hammer and a drift punch, remove the remaining rivets from the control arm.
Remove the ball joint from the lower control arm.

Position the new ball joint in the lower control arm.
Install the NEW ball joint bolts.
Install the NEW ball joint retaining nuts. Tighten: Tighten the ball joint nuts to 68 N.m (50 lb ft).
Install the lower control arm. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Install the tires and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Remove the support and lower the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle)

Special Tools

J 42129 Wheel Hub Remover

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector (2), if equipped.
Remove the wheel speed sensor electrical connector from the bracket, if equipped.
Remove the front wheel drive shaft nut. Refer to «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts) .
Remove the brake rotor. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
Use 3 wheel nuts in order to attach the J 42129 to the wheel bearing/hub.
Use the J 42129 in order to push the wheel drive shaft out of the wheel bearing/hub.
Remove and DISCARD the wheel bearing/hub bolts. Remove the J 42129 from the hub.
Remove the wheel bearing/hub and splash shield-noting the position of the shield for re-installation.

Install the wheel bearing/hub with the splash shield as noted during removal.
Install NEW wheel bearing/hub bolts. Tighten: Tighten the NEW wheel bearing/hub bolts to 130 N.m (96 lb ft).
Install the brake rotor and caliper. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
Install the front wheel drive shaft nut. Refer to «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts) .
Install the wheel speed sensor electrical connector to the bracket, if equipped.
Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector (2), if equipped.
Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Lower the vehicle.

Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the bearing/hub assembly. Refer to «Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the front lower control arm ball stud. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
Scribe the strut to the knuckle.
Remove the bolts and nuts attaching the strut to the knuckle.
Remove the knuckle from the vehicle.

Install the knuckle to the vehicle.
Install the bolts and nuts attaching the strut to the knuckle. Tighten: Tighten the strut to knuckle bolts to 130 N.m (96 lb ft).
Install the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Refer to «Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
Connect the front lower control arm ball stud to the knuckle. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Install the front wheel drive shaft bearing. Refer to «Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Lower the vehicle.
Inspect the front wheel alignment and adjust, if necessary. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) .

J 41820 Ball Joint/Stud Separator. See Special Tools .

CAUTION

Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Do NOT hammer or pry the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use the recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.

Turn the steering wheel in order to move the front of the applicable wheel to the outboard most position.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector (2), if equipped.
Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor jumper harness from the harness retainer clips, if equipped.
Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the cotter pin (1) from the ball stud (3).
Loosen the ball stud nut (2).
Install the J 41820 over the ball stud and lower control arm, as shown in illustration. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Rotate the ball stud nut counterclockwise in order to separate the ball stud from the steering knuckle.
Remove the J 41820 . See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the ball stud nut.
Remove the lower control arm bolts and nuts.
Remove the lower control arm.

Install the lower control arm.
Install the control arm bolts and nuts. Do not tighten at this time.
Install the ball stud to the knuckle.
Install the ball stud castle nut. Tighten: Tighten the ball stud castle nut to 20 N.m + 120 degrees (15 lb ft + 120 degrees).
If necessary, tighten the ball stud castle nut in order to align the ball stud castle nut slot (1) to the ball stud cotter pin hole (2), as shown in illustration.
Install a NEW cotter pin and bend the ends as shown in either example.
Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Install the ABS wheel speed sensor jumper harness to the harness retainer clips, if equipped.
Install the ABS wheel speed sensor connector (2), if equipped.
Install the lower control arm nuts. Tighten: Tighten the lower control arm nuts to 125 N.m (92 lb ft).
Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Lower the vehicle.

Tools Required

J 21474-01 Control Arm Bushing Set. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . J 21474-27 1/2 Inch Puller Bolt Thrust Bearing. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . J 21474-2 Bushing Installer Remover. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . J 21474-4 Nut J 21474-13 Control Arm Bushing Installer
J 23444-A High Pressure Lubricant. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
J 34126 Driven Sprocket Support Bearing Installer. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
J 35379 Front Knuckle Support. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

Remove the lower control arm. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Secure the lower control arm in a vice.
Mark the lower control arm along the flat edge of the bushing flange.
Assemble the following bushing removal tools as shown below: J 21474-27 . See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . J 21474-13 J 34126 . See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . J 35379 . See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . J 21474-2 . See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . J 21474-4
Tighten J 21474-4 .
Disassemble the bushing removal tools.

Align the flat edge of the bushing flange to the mark in the control arm (1). Ensure that the flat edge of the bushing flange is 30 degrees (2) from the centerline of the lower control arm. Ensure that the thin slot in the bushing is facing outboard.
Insert the bushing into the control arm.
Assemble the following bushing installation tools as shown below: J 21474-27 . See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . J 21474-13 J 21474-5 . See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . J 21474-4
Tighten J 21474-4 .
Disassemble the bushing installation tools.
Install the lower control arm. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

J 21474-01 Control Arm Bushing Service Set. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
J 21474-5 Control Arm Bushing Receiver. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

Remove the lower control arm. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Secure the lower control arm in a vise.
Assemble the bushing removal tools as indicated: The nut (1) The J 21474-01 washer (2). See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . The J 21474-01 bearing (3). See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . The J 21474-5 (4). See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . The J 21474-01 puller bolt (5). See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Tighten the puller bolt (5) until the bushing is removed.
Disassemble the J 21474-01 and J 21474-5 . See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

Lubricate the bushing with liquid hand soap or equivalent.
Assemble the following bushing installation tools as indicated : The nut (1) The J 21474-01 washer (2). See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . The J 21474-01 bearing (3). See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . The J 21474-5 (4). See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . The J 21474-01 puller bolt (5). See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Tighten the puller bolt (5) until the bushing is installed into the control arm.
Disassemble the J 21474-01 and J 21474-5 . See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the control arm from the vice.
Install the lower control arm. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

J 6627-A Tie Rod Puller. See Special Tools .

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Without disconnecting the hydraulic brake hose, remove and support the brake caliper and bracket as an assembly.
Remove the brake rotor. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
Rotate the bearing hub to a position where the least amount of interference between the stud and the steering knuckle exists.
Using the J 6627-A , release the wheel stud (1) from the bearing hub (2) and discard the stud. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
If necessary, loosen the wheel bearing/hub assembly retaining bolts enough to walk the bearing away slightly from the knuckle. Refer to «Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

Install the NEW stud in the bearing hub.
Tighten the wheel bearing/hub assembly bolts, if loosened during removal. Refer to «Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Add enough washers (3) in order to draw the stud into the hub (2).
Install the wheel nut (1) with the flat side against the washers (3).
Tighten the wheel nut (1) until the head of the wheel stud is fully seated against the back of the bearing hub flange.
Remove the wheel nut (1) and the washers (3).
Install the brake rotor, and the brake caliper and bracket as an assembly. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Lower the vehicle.

Remove the strut upper nuts.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Scribe the strut to the knuckle.
Remove the strut lower bolts and nuts.
Remove the strut.

Install the strut.
Install the strut upper nuts. Tighten: Tighten the strut upper nuts to 33 N.m (24 lb ft).
Install the strut lower bolts and nuts.
Align the strut to the mark on the knuckle. Tighten: Tighten the strut lower nuts to 130 N.m (96 lb ft).
Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
Lower the vehicle.
Align the front wheels. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) .

Suspension Shock/Strut Disposal

WARNING

Use the proper eye protection when drilling to prevent metal chips from causing physical injury.

Clamp the strut in a vise horizontally with the rod (1) completely extended.
Drill a hole in the strut at the center of the end cap (3) using a 5 mm (3/16 in) drill bit. Gas or a gas/oil mixture will exhaust when the drill bit penetrates the strut. Use shop towels in order to contain the escaping oil.
Remove the strut from the vise.
Hold the strut over a drain pan vertically with the hole down.
Move the rod (1) in and out of the tube (2) to completely drain the oil from the strut.

J 42991 Strut Rod Nut Socket. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
J 45400 Strut Spring Compressor. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

Disassembly Procedure

Remove the strut from the vehicle. Refer to «Strut Assembly Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Install the strut (2) in the J 45400 (1). See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Turn the spring compressor forcing screw (1) until the coil spring (2) is compressed.
Use a 45 TORX® socket in order to hold the strut shaft. Remove the upper strut mount nut by turning with J 42991 . See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the strut from the J 45400 . See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Loosen the compressor forcing screw (1) until the upper strut mount and coil spring (2) may be removed.
Remove the upper strut mount and the coil spring from the J 45400 . See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

Assembly Procedure

Install the coil spring and upper strut mount to the J 45400 . See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Turn the spring compressor forcing screw (1) until the coil spring is compressed.
Install the strut to the coil spring and upper strut mount.
Install the strut retaining nut. Using the J 42991 and a 45 TORX® socket, install the strut mount nut. See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . Tighten: Tighten the strut mount nut to 70 N.m (52 lb ft).
Remove the strut from the J 45400 . See «Special Tools»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Install the strut to the vehicle. Refer to «Strut Assembly Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/impala/ix-2006-2016/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

Front Suspension Description and Operation

The front suspension has 2 primary purposes

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

The front suspension absorbs the impact of the tires travelling over irregular road surfaces and dissipates this energy throughout the suspension system. This process isolates the vehicle occupants from the road surface. The rate at which the suspension dissipates the energy and the amount of energy that is absorbed is how the suspension defines the vehicles ride characteristics. Ride characteristics are designed into the suspension system and are not adjustable. The ride characteristics are mentioned in this description in order to aid in the understanding of the functions of the suspension system. 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.

This requires that the steering knuckle be suspended between a lower control arm and a strut assembly. The lower control arm attaches from the steering knuckle at the outermost point of the control arm. The attachment is through a ball and socket type joint. The innermost end of the control arm attached at 2 points to the vehicle frame through semi-rigid bushings. The upper portion of the steering knuckle is attached to a strut assembly. The strut assembly then connects to the vehicle body by way of an upper bearing. The steering knuckle is allowed to travel up and down independent of the vehicle body structure and frame.

This up and down motion of the steering knuckle as the vehicle travels over bumps is absorbed predominantly by the coil spring. This spring is retained under tension over the strut assembly. A strut is used in conjunction with this system in order to dampen out the oscillations of the coil spring. A strut is a basic hydraulic cylinder. The strut is filled with oil and has a moveable shaft that connects to a piston inside the strut. Valves inside the shock absorber offer resistance to oil flow and consequently inhibit rapid movement of the piston and shaft. Each end of the shock absorber is connected in such a fashion to utilize this recoil action of a spring alone. Each end of the strut is designed as the connection point of the suspension system to the vehicle and acts as the coil spring seat. This allows the strut to utilize the dampening action to reduce the recoil of a spring alone. The lower control arm is allowed to pivot at the vehicle frame in a vertical fashion. The ball joint allows the steering knuckle to maintain the perpendicular relationship to the road surface.

Front suspensions systems utilize a stabilizer shaft. The stabilizer bar connects between the left and right lower control arm assemblies through the stabilizer link and stabilizer shaft insulators. This bar controls the amount of independent movement of the suspension when the vehicle turns. Limiting the independent movement defines the vehicles handling characteristics on turns.

Illustration Tool Number/ Description J 6627-A Tie Rod Puller J 21474-01 Control Arm Bushing Set J 21474-2 Bushing Installer Remover J 21474-4 1/2 Inch Nut J 21474-5 Control Arm Bushing Receiver J 21474-27 1/2 Inch Puller Bolt Thrust Bearing J 23444-A Extreme Press Lubricant - 1/4-Ounce Tube J 34126 Sprocket Bearing Remover J 35379 Front Knuckle Support J 41820 Ball Joint Separator J 42129 Wheel Hub Remover J 42991 Strut Rod Nut Socket J 45400 Strut Spring Compressor