Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 GMC Safari and 2002 Chevrolet Astro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise the vehicle.
CAUTION: Floor jack must remain under the lower control arm during removal and installation to retain the lower control arm in position. Failure to do so could result in personal injury.
Support the lower control arm with a safety stand.

Fig 1: Supporting Lower Control Arm With A Safety Stand

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the tire and wheel.
Remove the brake hose bracket from the upper control arm.

Fig 2: Brake Hose Bracket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the speed sensor bracket from the upper control arm.

Fig 3: Speed Sensor Bracket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Center punch rivets retaining the upper ball joint to the upper control arm. Use a 3.175 mm (1/8 in) drill bit to cut a 6.35 mm (1/4 in) deep hole in the center of each rivet.

Fig 4: Center Punching Rivets
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Drill the rivet heads away using a 12.7 mm (1/2 in) drill bit.

Fig 5: Drilling Rivet Heads
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Using a pin punch, remove the rivets.
Remove the cotter pin from the upper ball joint.
Remove the upper ball joint retaining nut.

Fig 6: Upper Ball Joint Retaining Nut & Cotter Pin
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the J 36607 to the upper ball joint and steering knuckle.
Disconnect the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle using J 36607 .

Fig 7: Disconnecting Upper Ball Joint From Steering Knuckle

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Pull the upper control arm away from the steering knuckle.
Remove the upper ball joint.