FixVault

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
    Fig 1: Differential Carrier Shield Mounting Bolts
    G01467355Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  2. Remove the steering linkage shield. Refer to STEERING LINKAGE SHIELD REPLACEMENT .
  3. Remove the differential carrier shield mounting bolts.
  4. Remove the differential carrier shield.

    Important:  Use the proper tool in order to separate all ball joints.

  5. Remove inner tie rods ball stud nuts.
    Fig 2: Inner Tie Rods Ball Stud Nuts
    G01467356Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Remove the inner tie rods ball studs from the relay rod using J 6627-A. 
    Fig 3: Removing Inner Tie Rods Ball Studs From Relay Rod
    G01467357Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  7. Remove the steering shock absorber ball stud nut at the relay rod.
    Fig 4: Removing Steering Shock Absorber Ball Stud Nut At Relay Rod
    G01467358Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. Disconnect the steering shock absorber from the relay rod using J 24319-B  .
    Fig 5: Disconnecting Steering Shock Absorber From Relay Rod
    G01467359Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Remove the pitman arm ball stud nut at the relay rod.
    Fig 6: Removing Pitman Arm Ball Stud Nut At Relay Rod
    G01467360Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Disconnect the pitman arm ball stud from the relay rod using J24319-B. 
    Fig 7: Disconnecting Pitman Arm Ball Stud From Relay Rod
    G01467361Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. Remove the idler arm ball stud nut at the relay rod.
    Fig 8: Removing Idler Arm Ball Stud Nut At Relay Rod
    G01467362Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  12. Disconnect the idler arm ball stud from the relay rod using J24319-B. 
  13. Remove the relay rod.
  14. 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
  15. Clean the threads on the ball stud and ball stud nut.
    Fig 9: Disconnecting Idler Arm Ball Stud From Relay Rod
    G01467363Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.