1982 CHEVROLET CAMARO Repair Guide

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 825
5. Disconnect the tie rod from the
steering knuckle using a ball joint
remover.
6. Using an internal fit coil spring co mpressor, compress the coil spring so
that it is loose in its seat.
CAUTION - Be sure to follow manufacturer' s instructions when using spring
compressor. Coil springs in a comp ressed state contain enormous energy
which, if released accidentally, could cause serious injury.
7. To remove the coil spring, disc onnect the lower control arm from the
crossmember at the pivot bolts. If additional clearance is necessary,
disconnect the lower control arm from the steering knuckle at the ball
joint.
To install: 8. Compress the coil spring until spri ng height is the same as when
removed, then position the spring on the control arm. Make sure the
lower end of the coil spring is properly positioned in the lower control arm
and that the upper end fits correctly in its pad.
9. Connect the lower control arm from t he steering knuckle at the ball joint.
Connect the lower control arm from t he crossmember at the pivot bolts
and install the coil spring.
10. Connect the tie rod to the steering knuckle.
11. Attach the steering gear unit.
12. Connect the stabilizer link to the lower control arm.
13. Install the wheel(s).
14. Lower the vehicle.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 826
STRUTS
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Fig. 1: Strut removal

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 827

Fig. 2: Matchmarking t he strut brace position

Fig. 3: Removing the strut brace nuts

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 828

Fig. 4: Lifting out the strut
1. Place the ignition key in the unlock ed position so that the front wheels
can be moved.
2. From inside the engine compartm ent, remove the upper strut to upper
mount nut.
CAUTION - Do not attempt to move the ve hicle with the upper strut fastener
disconnected.
3. Raise the front of the vehicl e and position safety stands under the
vehicle.
4. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
5. Remove the brake caliper without disconnecting the fluid hose, and hang
out of the way on a wire. Do not allo w the caliper to hang by its fluid
hose.
6. Remove the two lower bolts attachi ng the strut to the steering knuckle.
7. Lift the strut up from the steering k nuckle to compress the rod, then pull
down and remove the strut.
To install: 8. Half extend the rod through th e upper mount, then hand-start the upper
fastener, engaging as many threads as possible.
9. Extend the strut and position it onto the steering knuckle.
10. Install the lower mount bolts hand-tight.
11. Tighten the upper fastener fully.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 829
12. Fully tighten the lower bolts onl
y when the front suspension is on the
ground. Torque the steering knuckle-to-strut nuts to 125 ft. lbs. (170 Nm)
followed by a 120 degree turn. Do not exceed a final torque of 148 Ft.
lbs. (200 Nm).
13. Install the brake caliper
14. Install the wheel and tire assembly.
15. Lower the front of the vehicle.
16. From inside the engine compartm ent, tighten the upper strut to upper
mount nut to 44 ft. lbs. (60 Nm).
17. Have the front end aligned.
OVERHAUL
The OEM domestic struts are serviced by replacement of the entire unit. There
is no strut cartridge to replace.
LOWER BALL JOINT
INSPECTION
Before performing this inspection, make sure the wheel bearings are adjusted
correctly and that the control arm bushings are in good condition.
1. Jack the car up under the front lower control arm at the spring seat.
2. Raise the car until t here is 1-2 in. (25-51mm) of clearance under the
wheel.
3. Insert a bar under the wheel and pr y upward. If the wheel raises more
than
1/8 in. (3mm), the ball joints are worn. Determine if the lower ball
joint is worn by visual inspec tion while prying on the wheel.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Fig. 1: Lower ball joint replacement

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 830
To prevent component dam
age, an on-car ball joint press, such as Kent-Moore
tool J-9519-23 should be used.
1. Raise and safely support the vehicle, then remove the wheel.
2. Support the lower control arm spring seat with a jack.
3. Loosen the lower ball stud nut. Break the ball stud loose. Remove the
ball stud nut.
4. Remove the ball stud from the steering knuckle. Support the steering
knuckle aside using a hanger or wire.
5. Using a ball joint press, remove the ball joint from the lower control arm.
To install: 6. Install the new ball joint, using the press.
7. Install the ball stud in the steering knuckle boss.
8. Install the nut on the ball stud, ti ghtening to 77 ft. lbs. (105 Nm) on all
models. Continue to tighten the nut until the cotter pin holes align and
install the pin. Do not back o ff the nut to align the holes.
9. Install the lube fitting and grease the new joint.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 831
STABILIZER SHAFT
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Fig. 1: Stabilizer removal
1. Raise the car and safely support on jackstands.
2. Remove the link bolt, nut, grommet, spacer and retainers.
3. Remove the insulators and brackets.
4. Remove the stabilizer shaft.
To install: 5. Position the stabilizer shaft into place and install the insulators and
brackets.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 832
6. Hold the stabilizer shaft approximat
ely 55mm from the bottom of the side
rail and torque the bracket bolts to 37 ft. lbs. (50 Nm).
7. Install the bolt, nut, grommets, spacer and retainers.
8. Lower the car.
LOWER CONTROL ARM
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION 1. Raise the car and safely support on jackstands.
2. Remove the wheel and tire.
3. Remove the stabilizer link and bush ings at the lower control arm.
4. Remove the pivot bolt nuts. DO NOT re move the pivot bolts at this time.
5. Install tool J-23028 or equivalent adapter to the jack and place into
position with tool J-23028 or equival ent adapter supporting bushings.
6. Install the jackstand under the outsi de frame rail on the opposite side of
the vehicle.
7. Raise tool J-23028 or equivalent adapter enough to remove both pivot
bolts.
8. Lower tool J-23028 or equivalent adapter.
9. Remove the spring and insulato r tape insulator to the spring.
10. Remove the ball joint from the knuckle.
11. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
STEERING KNUCKLE AND SPINDLE
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Fig. 1: Steering knuckle removal