Removal Procedure

Raise and suitably support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to LIFTING & JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
CAUTION: Refer to FLOOR JACK CAUTION in Cautions and Notices.
Place a floor jack under the control arm spring seat. Raise the jack in order to support the control arm.

Fig 1: Removing Cotter Pin And Nut (RWD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Support the caliper with a piece of wire to prevent damage to the brake line.
Remove the brake caliper. Refer to BRAKE CALIPER -- FRONT SINGLE PISTON or BRAKE CALIPER -- FRONT DUAL PISTON in Disc Brakes.
Remove the cotter pin and the nut.
Break the ball joint loose from the steering knuckle using the J 23742 .

Fig 2: Breaking Ball Joint Loose From Steering Knuckle Using J 23742 (RWD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Place a wooden block between the frame and the upper control arm in order to lift the knuckle assembly out of the way.
Remove the lower control arm out of the opening in the splash shield. Use a putty knife or a similar tool in order to guide the control arm past the splash shield.

Fig 3: Removing Lower Control Arm Out Of Opening In Splash Shield (RWD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the lower ball joint from the lower control arm using J 9519- D .
Inspect the tapered hole in the steering knuckle and remove any dirt. If the tapered hole is out of round, deformed, or damaged, replace the steering knuckle.

Fig 4: Removing Lower Ball Joint From Lower Control Arm Using J 9519- D (RWD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.