2021 SUSPENSION

Front Suspension - Trailblazer

SPECIFICATIONS
FASTENER SPECIFICATIONS

Single Use Threaded Fastener/Component Tightening Specifications

Specification
Application Metric (English)
NOTE:
All
fasteners/components
listed in this table
MUST BE
DISCARDED and
replaced with NEW
after removal.
Front Suspension Strut Bolt Torque mating fastener
Front Suspension Upper Mounting Bolt
First Pass: 22 N.m (16 lb ft)

Final Pass: 30 - 45 degrees

Front Wheel Hub Bolt

First Pass: 100 N.m (74 lb ft)

Final Pass: 65 - 75 degrees

Reusable Threaded Fastener Tightening Specifications

Specification
Application Metric (English)
NOTE:
All fasteners
listed in this
table can be
reused after
removal.
Front Lower Control Arm Front Bolt
First Pass: 100 N.m (74 lb ft)

Final Pass: 60 - 75 degrees

Front Lower Control Arm Rear Nut

First Pass: 80 N.m (59 lb ft)

Final Pass: 45 - 60 degrees

Front Stabilizer Shaft Bolt 22 N.m (16 lb ft)
Front Stabilizer Shaft Link Nut 100 N.m (74 lb ft)
Front Strut Rod Mount Nut 70 N.m (52 lb ft)
 Specification
Application Metric (English)
Front Suspension Strut Nut
First Pass: 100 N.m (74 lb ft)

Final Pass: 45 - 60 degrees

Steering Knuckle Nut
First Pass: 35 N.m (26 lb ft)

Final Pass: 95 - 105 degrees

ADHESIVES, FLUIDS, LUBRICANTS, AND SEALERS

GM Part Number
Application Type of Material United States Canada
Steering Knuckle Bearing Pilot Bore Grease 12345996 10953501

REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
FRONT STABILIZER SHAFT REPLACEMENT
Removal Procedure

1.

Drivetrain and Front Suspension Cradle (1) - Remove - Drivetrain and Front Suspension Cradle Removal
and Installation (AWD) , or Drivetrain and Front Suspension Cradle Removal and Installation (FWD)

2. Front Stabilizer Shaft Link - Remove [2x] Front Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement
 3.

Front Stabilizer Shaft Bolt (1) - Remove [4x]

4. Front Stabilizer Shaft (2) @ Drivetrain and Front Suspension Cradle - Remove

Installation Procedure

1.

Front Stabilizer Shaft (2) @ Drivetrain and Front Suspension Cradle - Install

CAUTION: Fastener Caution

2. Front Stabilizer Shaft Bolt (1) - Install and tighten [4x] 22 N.m (16 lb ft)
3. Front Stabilizer Shaft Link - Install [2x] Front Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement

4.
 Drivetrain and Front Suspension Cradle (1) - Install - Drivetrain and Front Suspension Cradle Removal
and Installation (AWD) , or Drivetrain and Front Suspension Cradle Removal and Installation (FWD)

FRONT STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT

Callout Component Name

Preliminary Procedures

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
2. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation

Front Stabilizer Shaft Link Nut [2x]

CAUTION:
Fastener
1 Caution

Tighten
100 N.m (74 lb ft)
2 Front Stabilizer Shaft Link

FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND HUB REPLACEMENT

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
3.

NOTE: The wheel drive shaft nut must be discarded after removal.

Front Wheel Drive Shaft Nut (1) @ Front Wheel Drive Shaft - Remove and DISCARD

Front Wheel Drive Half Shaft Replacement - Left Side

Front Wheel Drive Half Shaft Replacement - Right Side (AWD) , or Front Wheel Drive Half Shaft
Replacement - Right Side (FWD)

4.

Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod (1) @ Steering Knuckle - Separate - Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod
Replacement
5.

Front Stabilizer Shaft Link (1) @ Front Suspension Strut - Separate - Front Stabilizer Shaft Link
Replacement

6.

Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint (1) @ Steering Knuckle - Separate - Front Lower Control Arm
Replacement
7.

Front Wheel Drive Shaft (1) @ Front Wheel Hub - Separate

Front Wheel Drive Half Shaft Replacement - Left Side

Front Wheel Drive Half Shaft Replacement - Right Side (AWD) , or Front Wheel Drive Half Shaft
Replacement - Right Side (FWD)

8.

Front Brake Rotor (1) @ Front Wheel Hub (2) - Remove - Front Brake Rotor Replacement
 9.

Front Wheel Speed Sensor Bolt (1) @ Steering Knuckle - Remove

10. Front Wheel Speed Sensor (2) @ Steering Knuckle - Separate

11.

Front Wheel Hub Bolt (1) - Remove and DISCARD [3x]

 12.

Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly (1) @ Steering Knuckle (3) - Remove

13. Front Brake Shield (2) @ Steering Knuckle (3) - Remove

Installation Procedure

1.

Front Brake Shield (2) @ Steering Knuckle (3) - Install

2. Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly (1) @ Steering Knuckle (3) - Install
3.

CAUTION: This vehicle is equipped with torque-to-yield or single use fasteners. Install a
NEW torque-to-yield or single use fastener when installing this component.
Failure to replace the torque-to-yield or single use fastener could cause
damage to the vehicle or component.

CAUTION: Fastener Caution

Front Wheel Hub Bolt (1) - Install NEW and tighten [3x]

1. First Pass: 100 N.m (74 lb ft)

2. Final Pass: 65 - 75 degrees

4.

Front Wheel Speed Sensor (2) @ Steering Knuckle - Install

5. Front Wheel Speed Sensor Bolt (1) @ Steering Knuckle - Install and tighten - Front Wheel Speed Sensor
Replacement

6.

Front Brake Rotor (1) @ Front Wheel Hub (2) - Install - Front Brake Rotor Replacement

7.

Front Wheel Drive Shaft (1) @ Front Wheel Hub - Install

Front Wheel Drive Half Shaft Replacement - Left Side

Front Wheel Drive Half Shaft Replacement - Right Side (AWD) , or Front Wheel Drive Half Shaft
Replacement - Right Side (FWD)
8.

Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint (1) @ Steering Knuckle - Install - Front Lower Control Arm
Replacement

9.

Front Stabilizer Shaft Link (1) @ Front Suspension Strut - Install - Front Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement
 10.

Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod (1) @ Steering Knuckle - Install - Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod
Replacement

11.

NOTE: The wheel drive shaft nut must be discarded after removal.

Front Wheel Drive Shaft Nut (1) @ Front Wheel Drive Shaft - Install NEW and tighten

Front Wheel Drive Half Shaft Replacement - Left Side

Front Wheel Drive Half Shaft Replacement - Right Side (AWD) , or Front Wheel Drive Half Shaft
Replacement - Right Side (FWD)
12. Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
13. Lower the vehicle.

STEERING KNUCKLE REPLACEMENT

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation

3.

Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly (1) @ Steering Knuckle (3) - Remove - Front Wheel Bearing and
Hub Replacement

4. Front Brake Shield (2) @ Steering Knuckle (3) - Remove

5.

Front Suspension Strut Nut (1) - Remove [2x]

6. Front Suspension Strut Bolt (2) - Remove and DISCARD [2x]

7. Steering Knuckle (3) @ Vehicle - Remove

Installation Procedure
1.

Steering Knuckle (3) @ Vehicle - Install

CAUTION: This vehicle is equipped with torque-to-yield or single use fasteners. Install a
NEW torque-to-yield or single use fastener when installing this component.
Failure to replace the torque-to-yield or single use fastener could cause
damage to the vehicle or component.

2. Front Suspension Strut Bolt (2) - Install NEW [2x]

CAUTION: Fastener Caution

3. Front Suspension Strut Nut (1) - Install and tighten [2x]

1. First Pass: 100 N.m (74 lb ft)
2. Final Pass: 45 - 60 degrees

4.
 Front Brake Shield (2) @ Steering Knuckle (3) - Install
5. Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly (1) @ Steering Knuckle (3) - Install - Front Wheel Bearing and
Hub Replacement
6. Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Measure and adjust the wheel alignment. Wheel Alignment Measurement

FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT

Special Tools

CH-42188-B Ball Joint Separator

Equivalent regional tools: Special Tools

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
3. Front Wheelhouse Liner - Remove - Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement

4.

Steering Knuckle Nut (1) @ Front Lower Control Arm - Loosen

5. Use the CH-42188-B ball joint separator to separate the front lower control arm from the steering knuckle.
6. Steering Knuckle Nut (1) @ Front Lower Control Arm - Remove
7.

Front Lower Control Arm Front Bolt (1) - Remove

8.

Front Lower Control Arm Rear Nut (1) - Remove

9. Front Lower Control Arm Rear Bolt (2) - Remove

 10.

Front Lower Control Arm (1) @ Vehicle - Remove

Installation Procedure

1.

Front Lower Control Arm (1) @ Vehicle - Install

2.

Front Lower Control Arm Rear Bolt (2) - Install

CAUTION: Fastener Caution

3. Front Lower Control Arm Rear Nut (1) - Install and hand tighten

4.

Front Lower Control Arm Front Bolt (1) - Install and hand tighten
5.

Steering Knuckle Nut (1) @ Front Lower Control Arm - Install and tighten

1. First Pass: 35 N.m (26 lb ft)

2. Final Pass: 95 - 105 degrees

6.

Front Lower Control Arm Rear Nut (1) - Tighten

1. First Pass: 80 N.m (59 lb ft)

2. Final Pass: 45 - 60 degrees
 7.

Set the front suspension height (Z) to the specification using a hydraulic jack. Trim Height Specifications

8.

Front Lower Control Arm Front Bolt (1) - Tighten

1. First Pass: 100 N.m (74 lb ft)

2. Final Pass: 60 - 75 degrees
9. Front Wheelhouse Liner - Install - Front Wheelhouse Liner Replacement
10. Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Measure and adjust the wheel alignment. Wheel Alignment Measurement

WHEEL BOLT REPLACEMENT

Special Tools
CH-43631 Ball Joint Separator

Equivalent regional tools: Special Tools

Removal Procedure

1. Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly - Remove - Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement

2.

Use the CH-43631 separator (1) to remove the wheel stud (2) from the flange on the hub assembly.

DISCARD the stud.

Installation Procedure

1.

Position the NEW wheel stud (1) in the flange on the hub assembly.

2. Install the appropriate flat washers (2) and an OLD wheel nut (3) on the wheel stud.
 3. Use a suitable tool to prevent the flange on the hub assembly from rotating.
4. Tighten the wheel nut until the wheel stud is firmly seated.
5. Remove the wheel nut and flat washers.
6. Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly - Install - Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement

STRUT AND SHOCK ABSORBER INSPECTION

NOTE: The shock absorber/strut assembly DOES NOT have to be removed from the vehicle
to perform the following inspection procedure.

NOTE: A light film of oil on the top portion of the shock absorber/strut tube is normal. DO
NOT replace the shock absorber/strut for this condition.

NOTE: A typical shock absorber/strut assembly is depicted in graphics for illustrative

purposes only and may differ in actual appearance.

Inspection

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
2. Visually inspect each of the shock absorbers/struts for external fluid leaks. Refer to the following conditions 1,
2, 3, and 4 for visual inspection.

Condition 1

Oil or fluid residue only on the bottom of the lower shock absorber/strut tube (1) or other area NOT originating from
the shaft seal, is not a shock absorber/strut related problem. DO NOT replace the shock absorber/strut, look for other
external leaks.

Condition 2
Light film/residue on the shock absorber/strut tube (1), but not on the spring seat and originating from the shaft seal,
is a NORMAL condition. DO NOT replace the shock absorber/strut.

Condition 3

Oil drip or trail down the shock absorber/strut tube (1) and originating from the shaft seal, is an ABNORMAL
condition. Replace the shock absorber/strut.

Condition 4

An extreme wet film of oil covering the shock absorber/strut tube (1) and pooling in the spring seat and originating
from the shaft seal, is an ABNORMAL condition. Replace the shock absorber/strut.
Correction

1. If conditions 1 or 2 are found, continue to step 3.

2. If conditions 3 or 4 are found, replace shock absorber/strut.
3. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
4. If equipped with electronic suspension control system, ensure that the system is working properly and no
DTC's are present. If the system is working properly, continue to step 5.
5. Use your hands in order to lift up and push down on each corner of the vehicle 3 times. Remove your hands
from the vehicle. If the corner motion exceeds 2 cycles, replace the shock absorber/strut. If the shock
absorber/strut does not exceed 2 cycles, NO repair is necessary.

STRUT ASSEMBLY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation

3.

Wheel Speed Sensor Wire Bracket Bolt (1) @ Front Suspension Strut - Remove

4. Wheel Speed Sensor Wire (2) @ Front Suspension Strut - Separate

5.

Front Brake Hose Bracket Nut (1) @ Front Suspension Strut - Remove

6. Front Brake Hose @ Front Suspension Strut - Separate

7.

Front Stabilizer Shaft Link (1) @ Front Suspension Strut - Separate - Front Stabilizer Shaft Link
Replacement
 8.

Front Suspension Strut Nut (1) - Remove [2x]

9. Front Suspension Strut Bolt (2) - Remove and DISCARD [2x]

10.

Front Suspension Upper Mounting Bolt (1) - Remove and DISCARD [3x]
 11.

Front Suspension Strut (1) @ Vehicle - Remove

Installation Procedure

1.

Front Suspension Strut (1) @ Vehicle - Install

2.

CAUTION: This vehicle is equipped with torque-to-yield or single use fasteners. Install a
NEW torque-to-yield or single use fastener when installing this component.
Failure to replace the torque-to-yield or single use fastener could cause
damage to the vehicle or component.

CAUTION: Fastener Caution

Front Suspension Upper Mounting Bolt (1) - Install NEW and tighten [3x]

1. First Pass: 22 N.m (16 lb ft)

2. Final Pass: 30 - 45 degrees

3.

Front Suspension Strut Bolt (2) - Install NEW [2x]

4. Front Suspension Strut Nut (1) - Install and tighten [2x]

 1. First Pass: 100 N.m (74 lb ft)
2. Final Pass: 45 - 60 degrees

5.

Front Stabilizer Shaft Link (1) @ Front Suspension Strut - Install - Front Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement

6.

Front Brake Hose @ Front Suspension Strut - Install

7. Front Brake Hose Bracket Nut (1) @ Front Suspension Strut - Install and tighten - Front Brake Hose
Replacement
 8.

Wheel Speed Sensor Wire (2) @ Front Suspension Strut - Install

9. Wheel Speed Sensor Wire Bracket Bolt (1) @ Front Suspension Strut - Install and tighten - Front Wheel
Speed Sensor Replacement
10. Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Measure and adjust the wheel alignment. Wheel Alignment Measurement

SUSPENSION 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 center punching and drilling
the shock absorber. Use care not to puncture the shock absorber tube with the
center punch.

NOTE: A typical shock absorber/strut is depicted in graphics for illustrative purposes only
and may differ in actual appearance.
 1.

Make an indentation as shown 10 mm (0.4 in) (a) from the bottom (4) of the shock absorber/strut tube (3)
using a center punch.

2. Clamp the shock absorber/strut in a vise horizontally with the shock absorber/strut rod (1) completely
extended.

NOTE: Gas or a gas/oil mixture will exhaust when the drill bit penetrates the shock
absorber/strut. Use shop towels in order to contain the escaping oil.

3. Drill a hole in the shock absorber/strut at the center punch (4) using a 5 mm (3/16 in) drill bit.
4. Make an indentation in the middle (2) of the shock absorber/strut tube (3) with a center punch.

NOTE: Oil will exhaust when the drill bit penetrates the shock absorber/strut. Use
shop towels in order to contain the escaping oil.

5. Drill a second hole in the shock absorber/strut at the center punch (2) using a 5 mm (3/16 in) drill bit.
6. Remove the shock absorber/strut from the vise. Hold the shock absorber/strut 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/strut.

STRUT, STRUT COMPONENT, OR SPRING REPLACEMENT

Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Strut And Spring Components
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Callout Component Name

WARNING:
To prevent
personal
injury and/or
component
damage, use
the proper
tools to
support and
compress
the coil
spring prior
to removal
of the strut
shaft nut
when
removing
the coil
spring. The
coil spring is
under
extreme
pressure
and can
become a
projectile
should the
spring
separate
from the
strut before
all of the
 Callout Component Name
tension is
relieved.

Preliminary Procedure Strut Assembly Removal and Installation

1 Front Suspension Strut Cartridge Upper Cover
Front Strut Rod Mount Nut

CAUTION:
Fastener
Caution

Procedure

1. Use a suitable spring compressor to compress the front coil spring.

2. Use the CH-49375 Strut Wrench to remove and install the front strut rod mount nut.
2

Tighten
70 N.m (52 lb ft)

Special Tools

CH-49375 Strut Wrench

Equivalent regional tools: Special Tools

3 Front Strut Mount
4 Front Suspension Strut Bumper
5 Front Coil Spring Insulator
6 Front Coil Spring
7 Front Coil Spring Lower Insulator
8 Front Suspension Strut

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

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 traveling 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.

SPECIAL TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

SPECIAL TOOLS

Tool
Illustration Number/Description

CH-42188-B
Ball Joint Separator
 Tool
Illustration Number/Description

CH-43631
Ball Joint Separator
 Tool
Illustration Number/Description

CH-49375
Strut Spring Wrench