Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Refer to FLOOR JACK CAUTION in Cautions and Notices.

Raise the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
- Support the lower control arm with floor stands.
- Place floor stands under the lower control arms as far outboard as possible (between spring seats and ball joint) to maintain maximum leverage.
  
  Fig 1: Supporting Lower Control Arm
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the wheel hub and bearing. Refer to WHEEL HUB, BEARING, AND SEAL REPLACEMENT (RWD PICKUP) or WHEEL HUB, BEARING, AND SEAL REPLACEMENT (4WD PICKUP AND UTILITIES) .
Remove the bolts that attach the splash shield to the steering knuckle.

Fig 2: Removing Bolts That Attach Splash Shield To Steering Knuckle
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the cotter pin.
Remove the tie rod end stud nut.
Disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle using J 24319-B .

Fig 3: Disconnecting Tie Rod End From Steering Knuckle
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the lower ball joint stud from the steering knuckle using J 23742 .

Fig 4: Removing Lower Ball Joint Stud From Steering Knuckle
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the upper ball joint stud from the steering knuckle using J 23742 .
Raise the upper control arm. Disengage the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle.
Remove the steering knuckle from the lower ball joint stud.
1. 10.1 Clean the steering knuckle.
2. 10.2 Inspect the steering knuckle tapered hole. Replace the steering knuckle if this tapered hole is out-of-round, deformed, or damaged.
  
  Fig 5: Removing Upper Ball Joint Stud From Steering Knuckle
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.