Removal Procedure

Raise the vehicle. Refer to JACKING AND LIFTING in General Information.
CAUTION: Refer to FLOOR JACK CAUTION in Cautions and Notices.
Support the lower control arm with a safety stand.

Fig 1: Supporting Lower Control Arm With Safety Stand
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
Remove the wheel hub and bearing. Refer to WHEEL HUB, BEARING, AND SEAL REPLACEMENT (RWD) or WHEEL HUB, BEARING, AND SEAL REPLACEMENT (AWD) .
Remove the outer tie rod to steering knuckle retaining nut.

Fig 2: Removing Outer Tie Rod To Steering Knuckle Retaining Nut
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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 upper and lower control arms cotter pins and the retaining nuts.

Fig 4: Removing Upper And Lower Control Arms Cotter Pins And Retaining Nuts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the upper ball joint stud from the steering knuckle using J 23742.

Fig 5: Removing Upper Ball Joint Stud From Steering Knuckle
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Raise the upper control arm. Disengage the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle.
Disconnect the steering knuckle from the lower ball joint using J 23742.

Fig 6: Disconnecting Steering Knuckle From Lower Ball Joint
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.
Clean the steering knuckle with solvent, then air dry.
Inspect the steering knuckle tapered holes that attach to the ball joints and the outer tie rod.
Replace the steering knuckle if any of the 3 holes are out-of-round, deformed, or damaged.