Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Removal Procedure
2004 Oldsmobile Bravada RWDSECTION Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Raise the front of the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE
in General Information.
- Support the lower control arm with floor stands.
- Place floor stands under the lower control arms as far outboard as possible (between spring seats and ball joint) to maintain maximum leverage.
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
- Unload the torsion bar. Refer to TORSION BAR AND SUPPORT ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT .
- Remove the shock absorber. Refer to SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT (RWD) or SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT (4WD) .
- Remove the cotter pin from the upper ball joint stud.
- Remove the upper ball joint retaining nut.
- Using a pry bar, placed under the upper control arm and on top of the frame, pry upward.
- With the aid of a helper, carefully hammer on the steering knuckle in the area of the upper ball joint stud in order to release the stud from the steering knuckle.
- Remove the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle.
- Remove the upper control arm retaining nuts.
- Remove the upper control arm outer cams.
- Remove the upper control arm bolts.
- Remove the upper control arm inner cams.
- Remove the upper control arm from the frame.
- Remove the upper control arm bumper nut.
- Remove the upper control arm bumper from the upper control arm.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
Recommended Tools & Savings
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.