1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO weight

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-16

available the following procedure may also be

used (fig. 22-Alternate Method).

1.
Support car on suitable hoist or jack (so control

arms may swing free) and remove the wheel and

tire assembly, shock absorber, and stabilizer link

at control arm.

2.
Place suitable jack stand under the lower control

arm cross shaft.

3.
Follow Steps 2-5 as outlined on previous page.

4.
Turn head of tool screw to partially compress

spring.

5. Remove the three control arm cross shaft attaching

bolts,
washers and nuts.

6. Carefully lower jack stand and if necessary increase

compression on spring and when coil spring is out of

its upper seat, relax tension on spring (fig. 22).

7. By using a pry bar to assist, if necessary, remove

the coil spring from the lower control arm.

8. Installation is the reverse of the above procedure.

Carefully follow instructions for installing spring

tool.

LOWER CONTROL ARM SPHERICAL JOINT

Chevrolet, Chevelle, Comoro and Corvette

Inspection

The lower control arm spherical joint should be re-

placed whenever wear is indicated in the upper joint

inspection.

NOTE: The lower control arm spherical joint

is a loose fit in the assembly when not connected

to the steering knuckle.

Only if inspection of each upper joint indicates them

both to be within limits, inspect each lower joint for ex-

cessive wear as follows:

1.
After reconnecting upper joints to steering knuckles,

support vehicle weight on wheels or wheel hubs.

2.
With outside micrometer or caliper, measure dis-

tance from top of lubrication fitting to bottom of ball

stud, and record the dimensions for each side.

3.
Then support vehicle weight at outer end of each

lower control arm, so that wheels or wheel hubs are

free,
then repeat Step 2.

4.
If the difference in dimensions on either side is

greater than 1/16" (.0625"), the joint is excessively

worn and both lower joints should be replaced.

If inspection of lower spherical joints does not indicate

excessive wear, inspect further as follows:

5.
On Chevrolet Only--Examine lubrication hole in each

joint assembly after cleaning out hole. Look for evi-

dence of the liner partially or fully blocking lubrica-

tion opening. Such evidence indicates that liner is

disintegrating and that both lower spherical joints

should be replaced.

Another indication of lower spherical joint excessive

wear is indicated when difficulty is experienced when

lubricating the joint. If the liner has worn to the point

where the lubrication grooves in the liner have worn

away, then abnormal pressure is required to force lubri-

cant through the joint. This is another reason to recom-

mend replacement of both lower joints.

If the above inspections do not indicate any reason for

spherical joint replacements, test the torque tightness of
Fig. 27 - Removing Lower Ball Joint - Chevelle
&
Camaro

the lower ball stud in the knuckle on each side as follows:

1.
Wire-brush off nut and cotter pin attaching spherical

joint ball stud to steering knuckle and examine for

evidence of looseness of stud in knuckle.

2.
If no evidence of looseness, remove cotter pin and

with prick punch or equivalent, mark nut stud and

knuckle to identify relative location.

3.
Tighten nut as installed and observe torque reading.

If less than 45 lbs. ft., stud may have been loose in

steering knuckle and replacement of both lower

spherical joints may be recommended.

4.
Check to see if torque of 60-94 lbs. ft. can be ob-

tained without bottoming stud or ball joint against

knuckle. If bottoming occurs, replace ball joint or

steering knuckle.

Chevrolet and Corvette

Removal

1.
Support lower control arm at outer end on floor jack,

with hoist or jack pad clear of lower ball stud nut.

2.
Remove upper and lower ball stud nuts, free ball

studs from steering knuckle and wire knuckle and

brake drum assembly up to fender skirt to preclude

interference while performing next step.

3.
Being careful not to enlarge the holes in control arm,

cut off rivets.

Installation

1.
Install new joint against underside of control arm and

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-17

4.
Replace the wheel and tire.

5.
Lower the vehicle.

Chevy II

inspection

Fig.
28 - Installing Lower Ball Joint - Chevelle & Camaro

retain in place with special bolts and nuts supplied

with new joint.

CAUTION: Use only alloy bolts supplied for

this operation. The special thick headed bolt

must be installed in the forward side of the

control arm.

2.
Tighten bolts and nut on ball stud to Specification

shown at the end of this book.

3.
Lubricate the joint.

Chevelle and Camaro

Removal

1.
Support lower control arm at outer end of floor jack,

with hoist or jack pad clear of lower ball stud and

remove the wheel.

2.
Remove the upper and lower ball stud nuts, free the

ball studs from the steering knuckle and wire the

knuckle and brake drum assembly out of the way to

preclude interference while completing the lower ball

stud removal procedure.

3.
Use a screw driver to pry off the seal and retainer.

Install Tools J-9519-10, J-9519-17 and J-9519-7 as

shown in Figure 27 and turn down on the hex head

screw until the ball stud is pushed out.

Installation

1.
Start the replacement ball stud into the control arm

and install Tools J-9519-10, J^9519-16 and J-9519-17

as shown in Figure 28.

2.
Turn down on the hex head screw until the ball stud

is seated properly in the control arm.

3.
Install the stud into the steering knuckle, secure in

place with the attacking nut and install the cotter pin.
1.
With upper control arm support in position as in

Figure 15, disconnect the lower ball stud from steer-

ing knuckle.

2.
Assemble nut to lower ball stud and check rotating

torque with torque wrench. Specifications for new

joints are 9 lbs. ft. If torque readings are exces-

sively high or low, replace ball joint.

Removal

1.
While vehicle weight is still on front wheels, position

support between upper control arm and frame side

rail (fig. 15).

2.
Raise vehicle and remove cotter pin and nut from

lower ball joint stud (fig. 29).

3.
Disconnect stabilizer at upper link. Break loose the

lower ball stud. Drop lower control arm until lower

ball joint is easily accessible.

, 4. Using a large chisel, cut off the three ball joint re-

taining plate rivet heads. It may be necessary to

drill out rivet heads before chiseling.

NOTE: Additional support to lower control

arm will be necessary to perform this operation.

5.
Remove ball joint from arm and clean arm.

6. Inspect ball joint seat and rivet holes for evidence of

fatigue such as cracking or bending. If defects are

evident, replace lower control arm as outlined later

in this section.

Installation

1.
Install ball joint in arm using special bolts furnished

with replacement kit.

NOTE: Use only special hardened bolts fur-

nished with this replacement kit. Do not attempt

to use other non-hardened bolts and do not at-

tempt to rivet replacement ball joint to arm.

Fig.
29- Disassembling Lower Ball Stud - Chevy

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-18

CHEVROLET
CHEVELLE

CAMARO (TYPICAL)

CHEVY U
LOWER CONTROL ARM

CORVETTE

Fig.
30 - Lower Control Arm Attachment

2.
Raise lower control arm and insert ball stud into

steering knuckle lower boss. Install nut and insert

new cotter pin. Install stabilizer linkage.

Lube Fittings

Special self threading type lube fittings are used in the

spherical joint assemblies. If it is necessary to replace

a fitting a standard threaded type may be used. However,

replacement spherical joint assemblies are supplied less

the lube fitting. Therefore it will be necessary to install

a self threading type fitting into the untapped hole pro-

vided when replacing the entire assembly.

LOWER CONTROL ARM

Chevrolet (Fig. 30)

Removal

1.
Remove the coil spring as outlined previously.

2.
Remove lower control arm ball stud cotter pin and

loosen nut. Loosen the ball stud, then remove nut

and lower control arm.

CAUTION: Use extreme care not to damage

the seal during this operation.
Installation

1.
Insert lower control arm ball stud into the steering

boss,
install the nut and insert new cotter pin.

2.
Install the coil spring as outlined previously.

3.
Tighten nuts to torque shown in Specifications.

Chevelle and Camaro (Fig. 30)

Removal

1.
Remove the front coil spring as outlined previously.

2;
Remove the two control arm to frame and cross-

member bracket attaching bolts and lock washers.

3.
Remove the lower control arm assembly.

Installation

1.
With the control arm in place in frame and cross-

member brackets, install the front and rear attaching

bolts,
nuts and lock washers.

2.
Install the coil spring as outlined under "Front Coil

Spring - Installation".

3.
Tighten the nuts to torque shown in Specifications.

Chevy II (Fig. 30)

Removal

1.
With vehicle weight still on front wheels, install

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-21

Chevy II

Removal

1.
Support control arm on Tool J-7 574-4 and insert

Spacer J-9514 (fig. 34).

2,
Press bushing out with Tool J-9226 and Handle

J-7079-2 (fig. 34).

Installation

With Spacer J-9514 still in control arm, invert control

arm and press in new bushing with Tool, J-7474-2 and

Handle J-7079-2 until bushing is fully seated.

CAUTION: It should be noted that control arm

bushing diameters are unequal and bushing must

be pressed into position through larger diameter

only.

CROSS SHAFT AND/ON BUSHINGS

Corvette

Removal

1.
Remove bolt, lock washer and collar from each end

of cross shaft.

2.
Thread a 7/16 x 20 capscrew (furnished with Tool

J-5888) to the bottom of the threads in one end of the

cross shaft.

3.
Support control arm in an arbor press on Tool

J-5888-3,
as shown in Figure 35.

NOTE:
Be certain bushing flange does not

contact support.

4.
Press on cap screw until bushing is free of control

arm. Discard bushing.

5. Remove cap screw from cross shaft. Insert it in

other end of shaft. Invert control arm on support.

Again be certain bushing flange does not contact

support.

6. Press on cap screw until bushing is free of control

arm. Discard bushing.

Installation

1.
With cross shaft in control arm and Tool J-7052-1

in position, place control arm on Tool J-5888-3.

Hand start bushing into control arm and over end of

cross shaft.

NOTE:
The end of the shaft with the two bolt

holes should be toward front of control arm.

2.
Install Tool J-7052-5 over bushing. Be certain

three-piece spacer is not over-lapping bushing holes

in control arm.

3.
Press bushing into control arm until flange contacts

control arm (fig. 36).

4.
Invert arm in press and repeat the process on the

other bushing. After installation, cross shaft should

be free enough to be rotated by hand.

5. Install collar, lock washer and cap screw in each end

of cross shaft. Tighten to torque shown in Specifica-

tions after spring installation.
UPPER CONTROL ARM SPHERICAL JOINT

Chevrolet, Chevelle, Comoro and Corvette

Inspection

The upper spherical joint is checked for wear by

checking the torque required to rotate the ball stud in the

assembly. After performing the first four steps under

"Replacement" below, install a stud nut on the stud and

measure the torque required to turn the stud in the as-

sembly with a torque wrench. Specified torque for a new

joint is 9 lbs. ft. If torque readings are excessively

high or low, replace the ball joint. If excessive wear is

indicated in upper joint, both upper and lower joints

should be replaced.

NOTE:
This inspection does not necessitate

upper control arm removal.

Replacement

1.
Support the vehicle weight at the outer end of the

lower control arm.

2.
Remove the wheel and tire assembly.

3.
Remove cotter pin and nut from upper control arm

ball stud.

4.
Remove the stud from knuckle.

5. Cut off the ball joint rivets with a chisel.

6. Install new joint and retain in place with the special

nuts and bolts supplied.

7. Reassemble ball stud to the steering knuckle.

Chevy II

Inspection

The following on-the-vehicle check is to determine ball

joint wear.

NOTE:
The upper ball joint is a loose fit when

not connected to the steering knuckle. Wear may

be checked without disassembling the ball stud

by
using'
the following procedure:

1.
While vehicle weight is still on front wheels, insert

upper control arm support as shown in Figure 14.

2.
Raise vehicle and allow wheel and tire to hang free.

3.
Measure distance from tip of ball stud to top surface

of control arm.

4.
Place adjustable jackstand under tire and raise

slightly to take up ball joint looseness.

5. Repeat Step 3 and if the difference in measurements

exceeds 3/32", the joint is excessively worn and

should be replaced.

Replacement

1.
With vehicle weight still on front wheels, install

spacer between upper control arm and frame side

rail (fig. 15). Raise vehicle.

2.
Remove wheel and tire.

3.
Disconnect stabilizer link (if present) and strut rod

at lower control arm.

4.
Remove cotter pin and nut from upper ball joint stud.

5. Break ball stud loose. Drop lower control arm,

steering knuckle and brake assembly with an adjust-

able jackstand until upper control arm ball joint is

easily accessible.

6. Using a large chisel, cut off the three ball joint re-

taining plate rivet heads. It may be necessary to

drill out rivet heads before chiseling.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

FRONT SUSPENSION
3-22

CHEVROLET

s-L 1 \
TYPICAL
OF

-^-x ^K CORVETTE, CHEVELLE AND CAMARO

CHEVY n

Rg.
37 - Upper Control Arm Attachment

NOTE:
Additional support to upper control

arm may be necessary while chiseling.

7. Clean ball joint seat in arm and inspect for cracking

or other evidence of fatigue. If cracks are present at

the rivet holes or ball joint opening, replace arm as

outlined later in this section.

8. Attach replacement ball joint assembly to the control

arm, using special bolts furnished with replacement

kit.

NOTE:
Use only special hardened bolts fur-

nished with this replacement kit. Do not attempt

to use other non-hardened bolts and do not at-

tempt to rivet replacement ball joint to arm.
9. Raise lower control arm and steering knuckle as-

sembly into position, insert upper ball stud into up-

per steering knuckle and install stud nut. Torque

nut as shown in the specifications and insert new

cotter pin. Install stabilizer and strut rod.

10.
Lubricate ball joint, install wheel and tire and re-

move adjustable jackstand.

11.
Lower vehicle and remove upper control arm spacer.

12.
Check and readjust caster and camber angles where

necessary.

LUBE FITTINGS

Special self threading type lube fittings are used in the

spherical joint assemblies. If it is necessary to replace

a fitting a standard threaded type may be used. However,

replacement spherical joint assemblies are supplied less

the lube fitting. Therefore it will be necessary to install

a self threading type fitting into the untapped hole pro-

vided when replacing the entire assembly.

UPPER CONTROL ARM

Chevrolet, Chevelle, Camaro and Corvette

(Fig.
37)

Removal

1.
Support vehicle weight at outer end of lower control

arm.

2.
Remove wheel and tire assembly.

3.
Remove cotter pin and nut from upper control arm

ball stud. ,

4.
REMOVE The stud from knuckle.

5. Remove two nuts retaining upper control arm shaft to

front crossmember. (Chevelle, Camaro and Cor-

vette—Note number of shims at each bolt.)

6. Remove the bolts attaching the control arm to the

frame to allow proper clearance for control arm

removal if necessary.

7. Remove upper control arm from vehicle.

Installation

1.
Install upper control arm in vehicle.

2.
Install nuts, bolts and lock washers retaining upper

control arm shaft to frame. (Chevelle, Camaro and

Corvette—Install same number of shims as removed

at each bolt.)

3.
Torque nuts as shown in the Specifications at the end

of this book.

4.
Install ball stud through knuckle, install nut, tighten

and install cotter pin.

5. Install wheel and tire assembly.

6. Lower vehicle to floor.

7. Bounce front end of vehicle to centralize bushings

and tighten bushing collar bolts as shown in the

Specifications.

Chevy II (Fig. 37)

Removal

1.
Remove spring and shock absorber as outlined above.

2.
Position adjustable jackstand under lower control

arm.

3.
Remove cotter pin and nut from upper ball joint stud

and strike steering knuckle boss to loosen stud.

4.
Drop lower control arm and steering knuckle

assembly.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-5

Fig.
6—Measuring Rear Riding Height (Chevrolet and Chevelle)

RIDING HEIGHT CHECK

(Chevrolet, Chevelle Camaro and Chevy II)

In case of vehicle riding height complaints, a spring

height check will show if the rear suspension is at the

right height.

1.
Position car on smooth level floor.

2.
Vehicle must be at curb weight (full gas tank, no

passengers, spare and jack in trunk). Car should be

raised up a few times to allow suspension to settle

with car weight to eliminate friction at arm pivots.

3.
On Chevrolet and Chevelle models, measure riding
Fig.
8—Measuring Rear Riding Height (Camaro)

height as the distance from the top of the axle hous-

ing to frame kick-up (fig. 6).

4.
On Chevy II models, measure riding height as the

distance from lower surface of bumper support

bracket to top of axle housing (fig. 7).

5.
On Camaro models measure riding height as the

distance from jounce bumper upper attaching bolt to

top of axle housing (fig. 8).

6. Riding heights vary between models* Refer to speci-

fications section for vehicle and model application.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT (CORVETTE)

Camber

Wheel camber angle is obtained by adjusting the eccen-

tric cam and bolt assembly located at the inboard mount-

ing of the strut rod (fig. 9). Place rear wheels on

alignment machine and determine camber angle. To

adjust, loosen cam bolt nut and rotate cam and bolt as-

sembly until specified camber is reached. Tighten nut

securely and torque to specifications.

Fig.
7—Rear Riding Height (Chevy II)
Fig.
9—Ad
justing
Rear Wheel Camber (Corvette)

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-7

tioned vertically in the torque arm before ap-

plying pressure to the puller screw.

5.
Remove shim and bearing spacer from spindle

support.

6. Note size of shim used. If dial indicator reading

was more than
.008",
select a shim thinner by the

amount needed to bring end play within limits. If

dial indicator reading was less than
.001",
select a

shim thicker by the amount needed to bring end play

within limits.

NOTE: Shims are available in thicknesses from

.097"
to .148" in increments of
.003".

EXAMPLE: Bearing end play reading obtained

on dial indicator was
.011",
.003" over limit.

Bearing shim removed from spindle measures

.145".
New shim installed measures .139", .006"

smaller. End play is now decreased by .006" and

is
.005",
which is within the .001" to .008" limit.

7.
After determining shim thickness, install bearing

spacer and shim on spindle. Position spindle in

spindle support.

8. Press inner bearing race and roller assembly on

spindle as follows.

a. Position Tool J-4731 over spindle and against

bearing inner race.

b.
Position washer and spindle nut on spindle and

proceed to tighten nut until bearing is forced on

spindle sufficiently to allow spindle drive flange

to be installed (fig. 13). Remove spindle nut,

washer and Tool
J-4731.
Discard nut and use a

new one for final assembly.

9. Position drive flange over spindle, making sure

flange is aligned with spindle splines. Install washer
Fig.
13—Installing Drive Spindle to Support (Corvette)

and nut on spindle then tighten nut to specifications

and install cotter pin. If specified torque does not

permit cotter pin insertion, tighten nut to next flat.

10.
Seat spindle support outer seal in bore by using

screw driver, or other suitable tool, to press against

metal portion of seal.

11.
Install brake disc and caliper. Refer to Section 5

for details of brake disc and caliper installation.

12.
Install axle drive shaft, wheel and tire assembly,

adjust camber cam to original position and torque

all components to specifications.

COMPONENT PARTS REPLACEMENT

(Chevrolet, Chevelle, Chevy II and Camaro)

COIL SPRING

Chevrolet

Removal

To remove either or both rear coil springs proceed

as follows.

1.
Raise rear of vehicle and place jack stands under

frame. Support vehicle weight at rear, using either

a jack or post of twin-post hoist under axle.

2.
Remove both rear wheels from vehicle.

3.
With the car supported as in Step 1, so that the rear

springs are compressed by weight of vehicle; per-

form the following:

a. Disconnect both rear shock absorbers from the

anchor pin lower attachment.

b.
Loosen the upper control arm(s) rear pivot bolt

(do not remove the nut).

C. Loosen both the left and the right lower control

arm rear attachment (do not disconnect from axle

brackets).

d. Remove the rear suspension tie rod from the

stud on the axle tube.

4.
At the lower seat of both rear coil springs, slightly

loosen the nut on the bolt that retains the spring and

seat to the control arm. When the nut has been

backed off the maximum permissible, all threads of
the nut should still be engaged on the bolt.

CAUTION: Under ,no condition should the nut,

at this time, be removed from the bolt in the

seat of either spring.

5.
Slowly lower the support (jack or hoist post) that has

been in place under the rear axle, thereby allowing

the axle to swing down, carrying the springs out of

their upper seat and providing access for spring

removal.

6. Remove the lower seat attaching parts from each

spring, then remove the springs from the vehicle

(fig. 14).

Installation

1.
Position the springs in their upper seat so that end

of top coil is 3/8" ± 1/8" from end of stop. Install

the lower seat parts on the control arm, with the nut

finger tight on the spring retainer bolt.

NOTE: Omit the lock washer under the special

high carbon bolt, so that sufficient bolt thread

will be available to start the nut. The lock

washers will be installed later (in Step 4).

2.
By alternately raising the axle slightly and then

re-snugging the nut on each spring lower seat bolt,

move the axle upward until vehicle weight is fully

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

REAR SUSPENSION AND DRIVE LINE 4-10

Fig.
22—Rear Spring Shackle Exploded View—Station Wagon

(Chevy II)

4.
Place upper spring pad cushion on spring. Raise

spring, making sure spring cushion ribs index with

locating ribs in axle housing spring seat, and insert

spring front eye and bushing in frame bracket. In-

stall spring eye bolt, bushing, retainer, lock washer

and nut. Do not torque at this point.

5.
Place lower spring pad cushion on spring, indexing

it over locating dowel.

NOTE: Upper pad correctly installed when

aligned with lower pad.

6. Place lower mounting plate into position over lo-

cating dowel on spring pad, install four locknuts and

insert shock absorber lower eye bolt.

7.
Remove adjustable jackstands, lower vehicle to floor

and bounce several times. Torque all affected parts

to specifications. Incorrect bushing preload may

result if spring eye bolts are torqued prior to

lowering vehicle.

Camaro (Fig. 23)

Removal

1.
Raise rear of vehicle sufficiently to allow axle as-

sembly to hang freely; then support weight of vehicle

at both frame side rails and near front eye of

spring.

Fig.
23—Rear Spring—Exploded View (Camaro)
Fig.
24—Removing Spring Front Bushing (Camaro)

2.
Raise axle assembly so that all tension is removed

from spring.

3.
Loosen and remove shock absorber lower attaching

bolt.

4.
Loosen the spring eye-to-bracket retaining bolt.

5.
Remove the screws securing the spring retainer

bracket to the underbody.

6. Lower axle assembly sufficiently to permit access to

spring retainer bracket and remove bracket from

spring.

7.
The spring eye bushing can be replaced without

completely removing the spring from the vehicle,

if bushing requires replacement proceed as follows.

a. Position remover adapter J-21978-1 over puller

screw J-21058-15 so that adapter is against head

of puller screw. Refer to Figure 24 for view of

removal tools.

b.
Position puller screw through eye of bushing so

that remover adapter J-21978-1 is against un-

flanged side of bushing.

C. Position large end of barrel J-22553-1 over

puller screw and seat barrel against spring eye.

d. Position thrust bearing on puller screw then in-

stall and tighten nut J-21058-8 against thrust

bearing.

e. Check to make sure that all puller parts are

properly aligned then proceed to tighten nut until

bushing is pulled free of spring eye--disassemble

puller tool.

f. Position installer adapter J-22553-2 over flange

end of bushing then position puller screw

J-21058-15 through installer adapter and bush-

ing. Refer to Figure 25 for view of installation

tools.

g. Position puller screw through spring eye until

bushing contacts spring. Install small end of

barrel J-22553-1 over puller screw and seat

barrel against spring.

h. Install thrust bearing and nut J-21058-8. Check

puller tools and bushing for proper alignment;

then tighten nut to pull bushing into spring.

NOTE: Do not apply additional torque to nut

J-21058-8 after bushing flange contacts spring.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL