Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair
Removal Procedure- Tools Required
- J21687-02 Ball Joint Remover
- J 34866 Wheel Hub Remover
- J2619-01 Slide Hammer
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
3. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement in order to remove the following:
- The brake caliper
- The caliper carrier
- The rotor
4. Remove the wheel speed sensor electrical connector from the sensor, for ABS equipped vehicles.
5. Remove one bolt and the wheel speed sensor from the knuckle, for ABS equipped vehicles.
6. Unstake and remove the drive axle nut and washer.
7. If the knuckle is being replaced, remove the hub from the knuckle,. Use two wheel nuts (1), the J 34866 and the J 2619-01.
8. Remove the cotter pin and the castle nut from the tie rod end.
9. Remove the tie rod end from the knuckle. Use the J 21687-02.
10. Remove the ball stud nut and bolt. Separate the ball joint from the knuckle.
11. Remove the two strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts and remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
1. Apply a light coat of wheel bearing grease GM P/N 1051344, or equivalent, to the outside of the hub shaft.
2. If a new knuckle is being installed, install the hub and the outer bearing. Refer to Wheel Bearing/Hub Replacement - Front.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
3. Install the steering knuckle to the strut (3). Secure the steering knuckle with two strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts.
- Tighten the strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts to 80 Nm (59 ft. lbs.).
4. Install the ball stud to knuckle. Secure with the bolt and nut.
- Tighten the ball joint nut and bolt to 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.).
5. Install the tie rod end to the knuckle. Secure with the castle nut and coffer pin.
- Tighten the tie rod end castle nut to 43 Nm (32 ft. lbs.).
6. Install the wheel drive shaft nut and washer.
7. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement in order to install the following:
- The brake rotor
- The caliper carrier
- The caliper
8. Secure the items with the drive axle nut.
- Tighten the drive axle nut to 175 Nm (129 ft. lbs.).
9. Install stake the wheel drive shaft nut using a hammer and punch.
10. Install the wheel speed electrical connector to sensor, for ABS equipped vehicles.
11. Install the wheel speed sensor to knuckle. Secure with one bolt, for ABS equipped vehicles.
- Tighten the wheel speed sensor retaining bolt to 10 Nm (89 inch lbs.).
12. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
13. Lower the vehicle.