Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Steering Knuckle Replacement (4WD)

- Tools Required
- J 6627-A Tie Rod Puller
- J 43631 Ball Joint Remover

Removal Procedure





1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Remove the brake rotor.
4. Remove the hub with the bearings and the seals.
5. Remove the tie rod nut (1).





6. Use the J 6627-A in order to separate the outer tie rod (3) from the knuckle (2).
7. Remove the 4 bolts from the brake shield.
8. Remove the brake shield from the spindle.
9. Remove the spindle with the drive shaft bearing from the knuckle.





10. Remove the nut (2) from the control arm ball stud (5).

Caution: Refer to Suspension Spring Removal Caution in Service Precautions.

11. Support the lower control arm (11) with a jack.





12. Remove the 2 nuts (2) and the 2 bolts (1) from the strut bracket.





13. Use the J 43631 in order to remove the knuckle (2) from the ball stud (3).
14. Remove the front drive shaft outer seal from the knuckle.
15. Remove the front drive shaft inner seal from the knuckle.

Installation Procedure





1. Apply wheel bearing lubricant, GM P/N 1051344, or GMCL P/N 993037, or the equivalent, to the inner seal lip and to the inner seal hollow. Verify the lubricant fills more than 60 percent of the vacant space.
2. Install the drive shaft inner seal to the knuckle. Verify the seal contacts the stepped surface of the knuckle.
3. Apply wheel bearing lubricant, GM P/N 1051344, or GMCL P/N 993037, or the equivalent, to the outer seal lip and to the inner seal hollow. Verify the lubricant fills more than 60 percent of the vacant space.
4. Install the drive shaft outer seal to the knuckle.
5. Install the knuckle (1) to the ball stud (5).
6. Support the lower control arm (11) with a jack.





Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

7. Install the 2 nuts (2) and the 2 bolts (1) to the strut bracket.
- Tighten the nuts and the bolts to 95 Nm (69 ft. lbs.).
8. Remove the jack from the lower control arm.
9. Install a new nut to the lower control arm ball stud.
- Tighten the nut to 60 Nm (43.5 ft. lbs.).





10. Install the tie rod (3) to the knuckle (2).
11. Install a new tie rod nut (1).
- Tighten the nut to 43 Nm (31.5 ft. lbs.).





12. Coat the wheel spindle mating surface (2) and the wheel knuckle mating surface (1) with General Motors Sealer, GM P/N 1052366, or GMCL P/N 88900041, or the equivalent.
13. Fill the recess in the wheel spindle (2) with 10 9 (0.4 oz) of wheel bearing lubricant, GM P/N 1051344, or GMCL P/N 993037, or the equivalent.
14. Install the wheel spindle (2) to the knuckle (1).





15. Install the brake shield (1) to the spindle.
16. Install the 4 bolts to the brake shield.
- Tighten the bolts to 50 Nm (36.5 ft. lbs.).
17. Install the wheel hub, the bearings, and the seals.
18. Install the brake rotor.
19. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
20. Lower the vehicle.
21. Measure the wheel alignment. Adjust the alignment if necessary.