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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2001 >> Cavalier LS, 2.2 4 >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 150 (Front Suspension System) >> Repair Instructions >> Lower Ball Joint Replacement >> Removal Procedure

Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire and 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
  3. If the vehicle is equipped with a stabilizer shaft, remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
  4. Remove the wiring harness from the lower control arm.
  5. Remove the cotter pin (1) from the ball joint (3).
    6. Fig 1: Identifying Steering Knuckle
    G01580039Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Remove the nut (4) from the ball joint (3).
    NOTE: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use the recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.
  7. Separate the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle using the J 43828. 
    8. Fig 2: Identifying Ball Joint Separator
    G01580040Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. Remove the lower control arm front (5) and rear (4) mounting bolts.
    Fig 3: Identifying Lower Control Arm
    G01580041Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Remove the lower control arm (2) from the vehicle and place in a vice.
  10. Drill out the 3 rivets (3) retaining the ball joint to the lower control arm (2).
    Fig 4: Identifying Lower Ball Joint
    G01580042Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Use a 3 mm (1/8 in) drill bit in order to make a pilot hole through the rivets.

    Finish drilling the rivets with a 13 mm (1/2 in) drill bit.

  11. Remove the ball joint (4) from the control arm (2).
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