GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2003 🢒 LeSabre 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Front Suspension 🢒 Steering Knuckle Replacement

Tools Required

    • J 43828 Ball Joint Separator
    • J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the wheel bearing bearing/hub from the vehicle. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement .

    4. Object Number: 643351 Size: SH
  4. Remove the outer tie rod end retaining nut.
  5. Using J 24319-B separate the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle.

    6. Object Number: 104997 Size: SH
  6. Remove the lower ball joint cotter pin (1) and retaining nut (2).

    7. Object Number: 491713 Size: SH
  7. Using J 43828 separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.

    8. Object Number: 155701 Size: SH
  8. Remove the front strut to steering knuckle retaining bolts (3) and nuts (1).
  9. Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 104997 Size: SH
  1. Install the steering knuckle to the lower ball joint.

    2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  2. Install lower ball joint retaining nut.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the lower ball joint nut (2) to 10 N·m (89 lb in) plus an additional 180 degrees.

    Important: Do not exceed two slots during cotter pin alignment

  3. Continue to tighten the ball joint nut for cotter pin alignment and install the cotter pin.

    4. Object Number: 470669 Size: SH
  4. Install the outer tie rod end (1) to the steering knuckle (2).

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the outer tie rod end nut to 30 N·m (22 lb ft) plus an additional 180 degrees.


    Object Number: 155701 Size: SH
  5. Install the steering knuckle to the strut mounting bolts (3) and nuts (1).

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the steering knuckle to the strut mounting nuts to 147 N·m (108 lb ft).

  6. Install the hub and bearing to the steering knuckle/drive axle. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement .

    7. Object Number: 105001 Size: SH
  7. Install the brake rotor. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  8. Install the drive axle nut (2).
  9. Insert a drift or screwdriver (1) into the caliper and rotor to prevent the rotor from turning.

    10. Tighten
    Tighten the drive axle nut to 160 N·m (118 lb ft).

  10. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  11. Align the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.