Removal Procedure

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

Raise the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING & 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.
Remove the rotor. Refer to Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (RWD Pickup) or Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (4WD Pickup and Utilities) .

Fig 1: Supporting Lower Control Arm With Floor Stands (RWD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the bolts that attach the splash shield to the steering knuckle.

Fig 2: Removing Bolts That Attach Splash Shield To Steering Knuckle (RWD)
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 Using J 24319- B (RWD)
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 Using J 23742 (RWD)
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 Using J 23742 (RWD)
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.