Front Suspension System Chevrolet Malibu VIII

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
3. Disconnect the stabilizer links from the stabilizer shaft. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
4. For vehicles equipped with the 3.6L LY7, remove the exhaust pipe. Refer to «Exhaust Pipe Replacement (LE5 or LE9 With MH8)»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/exhaust/#engine-exhaust-system) , «Exhaust Pipe Replacement (LY7)»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/exhaust/#engine-exhaust-system) .
5. Using a suitable jack stand, support the rear of the frame assembly.
6. Remove the frame to body bolts. Refer to «Frame Replacement (2.4L)»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) , «Frame Replacement (3.6L)»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
7. Lower the rear of the frame in order to gain clearance to the stabilizer shaft.
8. Remove the stabilizer shaft clamp bolts.
9. Remove the stabilizer shaft clamps and insulators.
10. Remove the stabilizer shaft from the frame.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the insulators on the stabilizer shaft.
2. Position the stabilizer shaft to the frame.
3. Install the stabilizer bar clamps.
4. Install the stabilizer shaft clamp bolts and tighten to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
5. Raise the rear of the cradle and install the cradle bolts. Refer to «Frame Replacement (2.4L)»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) , «Frame Replacement (3.6L)»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
6. Remove the jack stand.
7. Connect the stabilizer link to the stabilizer bar. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
8. For vehicles equipped with the 3.6L LY7, install the exhaust pipe. Refer to «Exhaust Pipe Replacement (LE5 or LE9 With MH8)»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/exhaust/#engine-exhaust-system) , «Exhaust Pipe Replacement (LY7)»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/exhaust/#engine-exhaust-system) .
9. Install the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
10. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
3. Disconnect the stabilizer link from the stabilizer shaft.
4. Disconnect the stabilizer link from the strut assembly and remove from the vehicle.

1. Connect the stabilizer link to the strut assembly and tighten to 65 N.m (48 lb ft).
2. Connect the stabilizer link to the stabilizer shaft and tighten to 65 N.m (48 lb ft).
3. Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
4. Lower the vehicle.

Scheme 4

Remove the stabilizer shaft assembly. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .

Install the stabilizer shaft assembly. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
3. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector, if equipped.
4. Remove the wheel speed sensor electrical connector from the mounting bracket, if needed.
5. Loosen the wheel drive shaft from the wheel bearing/hub. Refer to «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts) .
6. Remove the wheel bearing/hub mounting bolts (1).
7. Remove the wheel bearing/hub and backing plate from the steering knuckle.

1. Position the backing plate and wheel bearing/hub assembly in the steering knuckle.
2. Install the wheel bearing/hub mounting bolts (1) and tighten to 115 N.m (85 lb ft).
3. Reconnect the wheel speed senor electrical connector, if needed.
4. Install the wheel speed sensor electrical connector on the retaining bracket, if needed.
5. Install the brake rotor. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
6. Install the wheel drive shaft retaining nut and washer. Refer to «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts) .
7. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

Scheme 5

Steering Knuckle Replacement

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
3. Remove the lower ball joint to knuckle nut and bolt (1).
4. Separate the lower control arm from the knuckle.
5. Remove the front lower control arm bolt (1).
6. Remove the rear lower control arm bushing nuts (1) and (2) bolts.
7. Remove the lower control arm (1) from the front frame.

1. Position the lower control arm (1) in the cradle.
2. Install and hand tighten the rear lower control arm bushing nuts (1) and (2) bolts.
3. Install and hand tighten the front lower control arm bolt (1).
4. Install the ball joint to knuckle bolt (1) and nut.
5. Tighten the ball joint nut to: First Pass: 50 (37 lb ft) Second Pass: Loosen 120 degrees Second Pass: 50 (37 lb ft) Final Pass: plus 30 degrees
6. Load the front suspension with the proper jack stand before tightening the bolts to specifications.
7. Tighten the front lower control arm bolt and tighten to: Tighten First Pass: 100 (74 lb ft) Final Pass: plus 90 degrees
8. Tighten the rear bushing to frame bolts and tighten to: Tighten First Pass: 100 (74 lb ft) Final Pass: plus 90 degrees.
9. Remove the jack stand.
10. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
11. Verify wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-specifications) .
12. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
3. Remove the lower control arm. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
4. Remove the lower control arm to rear bushing bolt.
5. Note the position of the bushing during removal. Remove the bushing off the lower control arm.

1. Install the bushing on the lower control arm as previously noted.
2. Using LOCKTITE™ 234 or equivalent on the bolt threads, install the lower control arm to bushing bolt.
3. Hold the rear bushing inner sleeve when tightening the rear bushings to control arm bolt and tighten to 44 N.m (32 lb ft).
4. Install the lower control arm. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
5. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
6. Lower the vehicle.

Special Tools

J 43631 Ball Joint Remover

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
3. Remove and support the brake caliper and bracket as an assembly, and remove the brake rotor. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
4. Rotate the bearing hub to a position where the least amount of interference between the stud and the steering knuckle exists.
5. Using the J 43631 ball joint remover, release the wheel stud from the bearing hub and discard the stud.

1. Install the NEW stud into the bearing/hub assembly. Add enough washers (1) in order to draw the stud into the hub.
2. Install and tighten a wheel nut (2) until the head of the wheel stud is fully seated against the back of the bearing hub flange.
3. Remove the wheel nut (2) and the washers (1).
4. Install the brake rotor, and install the brake caliper and bracket as an assembly. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
5. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
6. Lower the vehicle.

1. Raise and the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
3. Support the lower control arm with a suitable jack stand.
4. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector at the wheel speed sensor bracket, if equipped.
5. Remove the stabilizer shaft link (3) from the front strut (6). Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
6. Remove the front strut nuts (2) from the bolts (5).
7. Remove the wheel speed sensor bracket (1) from the strut (6).
8. Remove the strut bolts (5) from the front strut (6).
9. Separate the front strut (6) from the knuckle (4).
10. Remove the upper strut nuts (1) from the strut (2).
11. Remove the front strut assembly (2) from the vehicle.
12. For servicing the individual strut components, refer to «Strut, Strut Component, or Spring Replacement»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

1. Install the front strut assembly (2).
2. Install the upper strut nuts (1) and tighten to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
3. Insert the front strut (6) in the knuckle (4).
4. Install the strut bolts (5).
5. Install the wheel speed sensor bracket (1).
6. Install the front strut nuts (2) on the bolts (5) and tighten to 120 N.m (89 lb ft).
7. Reconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector at the wheel speed sensor bracket, if equipped.
8. Install the stabilizer shaft link (3). Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system)
9. Remove the support from the lower control arm.
10. Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Check the front end alignment specifications. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-specifications) .

Suspension Strut Disposal

1. Clamp the strut in a vise horizontally with the rod (1) completely extended.
2. 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.
3. Remove the strut from the vise.
4. Hold the strut over a drain pan vertically with the hole down.
5. Move the rod (1) in and out of the tube (2) to completely drain the oil from the strut.

J 45400 Strut Spring Compressor

Disassembly Procedure

1. Remove the strut assembly. Refer to «Strut Assembly Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
2. Place the strut assembly into the J 45400 strut spring compressor.
3. Adjust the compressing arms to contact the coils farthest away from the center of the spring.
4. Using the J 45400 strut spring compressor, compress the spring to remove the spring tension from the upper strut mount.
5. Remove the strut shaft nut, while holding the strut shaft.
6. Lower the strut from the spring and the J 45400 strut spring compressor.
7. Remove the upper strut mount assembly and mount bearing. Inspect for damage and replace as necessary.
8. Remove the upper spring seat and insulator from the spring and the J 45400 strut spring compressor. Inspect for damage and replace as necessary.
9. Using the J 45400 strut spring compressor, remove the spring tension in order to remove the spring. Inspect for damage and replace as necessary.
10. Remove the dust shield and jounce bumper assembly from the strut shaft. Inspect for damage and replace as necessary.
11. Remove the lower spring seat insulator. Inspect for damage and replace as necessary.

Assembly Procedure

1. Install the spring into the J 45400 strut spring compressor. Make sure the spring is level.
2. Use the J 45400 strut spring compressor to compress the spring evenly.
3. Install the lower spring seat insulator.
4. Extend the strut shaft to the upper limit of its travel.
5. Insert the jounce bumper into the dust shield.
6. Slide the dust shield assembly onto the strut shaft.
7. Load the strut through the coil spring and the J 45400 strut spring compressor.
8. Firmly align the lower spring coil in the spring seat pocket.
9. Place the upper spring insulator and spring seat onto the top of the coil spring.
10. Place the bearing and strut mount on the top of the spring seat.
11. Install the upper strut shaft nut and tighten to 70 N.m (52 lb ft).
12. Using the J 45400 strut spring compressor, remove the spring tension.
13. Remove the strut assembly from the J 45400 strut spring compressor.
14. Install the strut assembly. Refer to «Strut Assembly Removal and Installation»(/chevrolet/malibu/viii-2011-2014/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

General Description (Strut)

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 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 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller J 42129 Wheel Hub Remover J 43631 Ball Joint Remover J 45400 Strut Spring Compressor Brazil-Use local equivalent

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

See also:
• Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
• Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
• Exhaust Pipe Replacement (LE5 or LE9 With MH8)
• Frame Replacement (2.4L)
• Fastener Caution
• Front Brake Rotor Replacement
• Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement
• Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement
• Wheel Alignment Specifications
• Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement