Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2002 GMC Yukon XL, 2002 GMC Yukon, 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE .
Remove the engine protection shield, if equipped.
Remove the relay rod nut (8) from the pitman arm ball stud (2).
Do not reuse the nut.

Fig 1: Removing Relay Rod Nut
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION: Do not hammer on the pitman arm, pitman arm shaft or puller. Damage to the pitman arm or steering gear may result.
Use the J 24319-B in order to remove the relay rod from the pitman arm ball stud.

Fig 2: Removing Relay Rod From Pitman Arm Ball Stud
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the power steering gear. Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT (NON-RACK AND PINION) .
Mark the pitman arm and the pitman shaft in order to ensure the proper alignment at assembly.
Remove the pitman arm nut.
Use the J 29107-A or J 6632-01 in order to remove the pitman arm from the steering gear pitman shaft.

Fig 3: Removing Pitman Arm

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Inspect the ball stud threads for damage.
Inspect the ball stud seals for excessive wear.
Clean the threads on the ball stud.