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

Tools Required

    • J 43828 Ball Joint Separator
    • J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
    • J 28733-B Front/Rear Spindle Remover

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. Object Number: 397927 Size: SH
  3. Insert drift of screwdriver into the caliper and rotor in order to prevent rotor from turning.
  4. Remove the drive axle nut.
  5. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.

    6. Object Number: 105002 Size: SH
  6. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.

    7. Object Number: 397703 Size: SH
  7. Remove the wheel bearing and hub retaining bolts.
  8. Use the J 28733-B in order to remove the hub and drive axle.
  9. Use the J 24319-B in order to separate the tie rod from the steering knuckle.
  10. Remove the dust shield.
  11. Remove the front strut to steering knuckle retaining bolts.

    12. Object Number: 491713 Size: SH
  12. Use the J 43828 in order to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
  13. Remove the steering knuckle.

Installation Procedure

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

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

  3. Install the lower ball joint retaining nut and cotter pin.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the tie rod end to knuckle nut to 10 N·m (88 lb in) plus an additional 150 degrees-300 degrees (3-5 flats). For cotter pin alignment, tighten the nut up to, but do not exceed 60 degrees additional rotation. Do not back off nut for cotter pin alignment.


    Object Number: 751396 Size: SH
  4. Install the outer tie rod (1) to the steering knuckle (2).
  5. Install the outer tie rod retaining nut.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the outer tie rod retaining nut to 30 N·m (22 lb ft plus 180 degrees).

  6. Install dust shield.

    7. Object Number: 397703 Size: SH
  7. Install the hub and bearing to the steering knuckle/drive axle.
  8. Install the hub and bearing retaining bolts.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the hub to knuckle bolts to 95 N·m (70 lb ft).


    Object Number: 105002 Size: SH
  9. Connect the wheel speed sensor connector to the wheel speed sensor.

    10. Object Number: 397927 Size: SH
  10. Install the rotor. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  11. Install the caliper support bracket /caliper assembly. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement .
  12. Install the drive axle nut by inserting drift or screwdriver into the caliper and rotor in order to prevent rotor from turning.

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

  13. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.