Removal Procedure

Important:  You may remove the following components as an assembly:

• The steering knuckle
• The lower ball joint
• The front hub
• The wheel studs
• The front wheel bearing
• The disc brake shield

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE .
2. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
3. If the vehicle has ABS, remove the ABS wheel speed sensor from the steering knuckle. Position the sensor to the side. Refer to WHEEL SPEED SENSOR REPLACEMENT - FRONT in Antilock Brake System.
4. Unstake the front wheel drive shaft nut.
5. Remove the drive shaft nut from the drive axle while an assistant presses the brake pedal.
6. Remove the 2 nuts (1,2) and the bolt (3) from the lower control arm.
   Fig 1: Removing Nuts And Bolt From Lower Control Arm

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
7. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to FRONT BRAKE ROTOR .
8. Loosen the nuts on the lower side of the strut assembly. Do not remove the bolts.
9. Remove the outer tie rod cotter pin (2).
   Fig 2: Removing Steering Knuckle From Strut

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. Remove the outer tie rod nut (1).
11. Use the J 6627-A,  or equivalent, in order to disconnect the outer tie rod from the knuckle.
12. Remove the 2 nuts and the 2 bolts from lower side of the strut assembly.
13. Remove the steering knuckle from the strut.

    Important:  If you are replacing the steering knuckle, continue with this procedure.

14. Remove the front wheel bearing and the disc brake shield. Refer to WHEEL HUB, BEARING, AND SEAL REPLACEMENT  .
15. Remove the steering knuckle cotter pin (5) and the ball stud nut (4).
16. Use the J 24319-B,  or equivalent, in order to remove the ball joint (3) from the steering knuckle.
    Fig 3: Removing Steering Knuckle Cotter Pin And Ball Stud Nut

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.