Removal

1. Raise vehicle on jackstands or centered on a frame contact type hoist.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly from the vehicle.

Fig. 10 Ball Joint Stud To Steering Knuckle Clamp Nut And Bolt Removal:

3. Remove the ball joint stud to steering knuckle attaching nut and bolt.

CAUTION:
- Pulling steering knuckle out from vehicle after releasing from ball joint can separate inner C/V joint.

- When lower control arm is separated from steering knuckle, do not let ball joint seal hit up against steering knuckle. If ball joint seal hits steering knuckle, seal damage may occur. If ball joint seal becomes torn, replace seal before assembling lower control arm to knuckle.





4. Carefully insert a pry bar between lower control arm and steering knuckle. Push down on pry bar to separate ball joint stud from steering knuckle.





5. Remove tension strut to cradle attaching nut and washer from end of tension strut. When removing tension strut nut, keep strut from turning by holding tension strut at flat using open end wrench. Discard tension strut to cradle retaining nut. A NEW tension strut to cradle nut must be used when installing tension strut.





6. Loosen and remove lower control arm pivot bushing to cradle assembly pivot bolt.





7. Separate lower control arm and tension strut from the cradle as an assembly. Lower control arm is removed from cradle, by first removing pivot bushing from cradle and then sliding tension strut out of isolator bushing.





8. Inspect lower control arm and tension strut for distortion. Check all bushings for signs of severe deterioration. Replace any bushings that show signs of sever deterioration.