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Suspension - Front (Coil): Other GMC Pickup C3500

Suspension Front ~437 words

FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS

CAUTIONNever preload tapered roller bearings, or damage to bearings will result. Bearings are designed to have a slightly loose feel when properly adjusted.
  1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove hub dust cap and cotter pin. Tighten spindle nut to 12 ft. lbs. (16 N.m) while turning wheel forward by hand. Back off nut until just loose.
  2. Finger tighten nut until snug. Loosen nut slightly until NEW cotter pin can be installed. DO NOT loosen nut more than 1/2 flat. Install cotter pin and measure hub end play. Hub end play (in and out) should be .001-.005" (.03-.13 mm) on Astro, Jimmy, Safari, Sonoma and "S" Series Blazer & Pickup and .001-.008" (.03-.20 mm) on "C" Series Pickup, Sierra and Suburban. Install dust cap.

RIDING HEIGHT

Note. See ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS/PROCEDURES article in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT Section.

BALL JOINT CHECKING

Note. Ensure wheel bearings are properly adjusted before checking ball joints. Replace ball joint rubber grease seal if cut or damaged.

Upper Ball Joint (Astro, Jimmy, Safari, Sonoma & "S" Series Blazer & Pickup)

  1. Raise and support vehicle with jack stand under lower control arm, near lower ball joint. Ensure upper control arm bumper does not contact frame. Place dial indicator against lower part of wheel rim. Push in on bottom of tire while pulling outward at top. Read dial indicator, then reverse push/pull procedure.
  2. Lateral (horizontal) deflection should not exceed .125" (3.18 mm). If deflection is excessive, replace ball joint.
  3. With ball joint disconnected from steering knuckle, check to see if ball joint can be rotated by finger pressure. Replace if ball joint can be twisted.

Lower Ball Joint (Astro, Jimmy, Safari, Sonoma & "S" Series Blazer & Pickup)

  1. Wear indicator is built into ball joint. Wear is indicated by position of the 1/2" diameter round boss that grease fitting is threaded into. A NEW ball joint has a boss projection of .050" (1.27 mm) beyond cover surface.
  2. With vehicle weight on wheels, ensure wear indicator protrudes beyond surface of ball joint cover. Replace ball joint if wear indicator is recessed or even with housing.

Upper & Lower Ball Joints ("C" Series Pickup, Sierra & Suburban)

  1. Raise and support vehicle with jack stand under lower control arm, near lower ball joint. Place a dial indicator on spindle hub.
  2. Pry tire and wheel assembly between lower control arm and outer race to measure vertical movement. Note dial indicator reading. If reading exceeds .08" (2.0 mm), replace loose ball joint.

UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS

Note. Upper control arm bushings are not replaceable on "C" Series Pickup, Sierra and Suburban. Upper control arm and bushings are serviced as an assembly.

LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS

Note. Bushing replacement procedure for "C" Series Pickup is not available from manufacturer.

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