Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2003 GMC Yukon XL, 2003 GMC Yukon, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: When lifting the vehicle do not allow the jack to touch the rear steering gear. If the jack touches the rear steering gear you may damage the gear or the rack and pinion boots. If the boots are damaged replace the rack and pinion boot.

Raise the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
Remove the bolt (8) and nut (2) retaining the bracket to the axle.
Remove the bracket (7) from the vehicle.
Remove the bolt (4) retaining the brake hose bracket (3) to the axle.

Fig 1: Removing Bracket, Bolt, Nut & Brake Hose
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Using the J 44664 (2), remove the nut (1) retaining the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle.

Fig 2: Removing Nut Retaining Upper Ball Joint Using J 44664
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the upper ball joint (3) retaining bolts (2) and stud (1).

Fig 3: Removing Upper Ball Joint, Retaining Bolts & Stud
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Using the J 44663 (2), remove the upper ball joint stud from the steering knuckle.

Fig 4: Removing Upper Ball Joint Stud From Steering Knuckle Using J 44663
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the upper ball joint (1) from the vehicle.

Fig 5: Removing Upper Ball Joint
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.