Removal Procedure

2006 Chevrolet Chevy Express G2500, Van Cargo, 6.6 2SECTION Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2011 GMC Yukon XL, 2011 GMC Yukon, 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2011 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:

For vehicles equipped with the aluminum lower control arm, the ball joint is NOT service separately. If the ball joint in the aluminum lower control arm is found to have excessive wear and is damaged, replace the lower control arm as an assembly.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (1500) , Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (2500) .
  4. Remove the wheel drive shaft, if equipped. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (2500) , Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (1500) .
  5. Using mechanics wire or equivalent, support the knuckle assembly and upper control arm.
  6. Fig 1: Lower Ball Joint Retaining Nut
    GM1761079Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  7. Remove and discard the lower ball joint retaining nut (1).
  8. Fig 2: Lower Shock Module Bolts
    GM1761077Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Remove the lower shock module bolts from the lower control arm.
  10. Fig 3: Separating Lower Ball Joint From Steering Knuckle
    GM853943Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. Using the J-43631  separator and the J-45851  adapters, remove the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.
  12. Fig 4: Lower Control Arm
    GM1870075Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  13. Remove the lower control arm nuts (1) and washers (2).
  14. Remove the control arm bolts (3).
  15. Remove the control arm (4).


NOTE:

For vehicles equipped with the aluminum control arm, the ball joint is NOT serviced separately. If the ball joint is found to have excessive wear and is damaged, replace the lower control arm as an assembly.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (2500) , Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (1500) .
  4. Remove the torsion bars. Refer to Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement (Link Style) .
  5. Remove the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement (2500 Series) .
  6. Remove the wheel drive shaft. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (2500) , Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (1500) .
  7. Fig 1: Lower Ball Joint Retaining Nut
    GM830506Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. Remove and discard the lower ball joint retaining nut.
  9. Fig 2: Separating Lower Ball Joint From Steering Knuckle
    GM853943Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Using the J-43631  separator and the J-45851  adapters, remove the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.
  11. Fig 3: Lower Control Arm
    GM1870076Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  12. Remove the lower control arm nuts (1) and washers (2).
  13. Remove the control arm bolts (3).
  14. Remove the control arm (4).
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.