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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2001 >> Cavalier LS, 2.2 4 >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 26 (Front Suspension System) >> Repair Instructions >> Lower Ball Joint Replacement >> Tools Required >> Removal Procedure

Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire and 2002 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.
  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. Remove the nut (4) from the ball joint (3).
    Fig 1: Ball Joint
    G01583083Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    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.  .
    Fig 2: Separating Ball Joint Stud From Steering Knuckle
    G01583084Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. Remove the lower control arm front (5) and rear (4) mounting bolts.
  9. Remove the lower control arm (2) from the vehicle and place in a vice.
    Fig 3: Lower Control Arm Assembly
    G01583085Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Drill out the 3 rivets (3) retaining the ball joint to the lower control arm (2). 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).
    Fig 4: Removing Ball Joint From Control Arm
    G01583086Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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