Removal Procedure

Raise and suitably support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE .
Remove the steering linkage shield. Refer to Steering Linkage Shield Replacement .
Remove the differential carrier shield mounting bolts.
Remove the differential carrier shield.

Fig 1: Removing Differential Carrier Shield & Mounting Bolts (4WD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: Use the proper tool in order to separate all ball joints.
Remove inner tie rods ball stud nuts.

Fig 2: Removing Inner Tie Rod Ball Stud Nuts (4WD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the inner tie rods ball studs from the relay rod using J 6627-A .

Fig 3: Removing Inner Tie Rods Ball Studs Using J 6627-A (4WD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the steering shock absorber ball stud nut at the relay rod.

Fig 4: Removing Steering Shock Absorber Ball Stud Nut (4WD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the steering shock absorber from the relay rod using J 24319- B .

Fig 5: Disconnecting Steering Shock Absorber Using J 24319-B (4WD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the pitman arm ball stud nut at the relay rod.

Fig 6: Removing Pitman Arm Ball Stud Nut (4WD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the pitman arm ball stud from the relay rod using J 24319-B .

Fig 7: Disconnecting Pitman Arm Ball Stud Using J 24319-B (4WD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the idler arm ball stud nut at the relay rod.

Fig 8: Removing Idler Arm Ball Stud Nut (4WD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the idler arm ball stud from the relay rod using J 24319-B .
Remove the relay rod.
Inspect the following components:
- The threads on the tie rod for damage
- The threads on the tie rod end for damage
- The ball stud threads for damage
- The ball stud seals for excessive wear
Clean the threads on the ball stud and ball stud nut.

Fig 9: Disconnecting Idler Arm Ball Stud Using J 24319-B (4WD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.