GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2001 🢒 Eldorado 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Front Suspension 🢒 Steering Knuckle Replacement

Tools Required

    •  J 36226 Ball Joint Separator-Front
    •  J 35551 Ball Stud Nut Wrench
    •  J 24319-B Tie Rod 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: 161259 Size: SH
  3. Remove the wheel bearing and hub assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement .
  4. Disconnect the outer tie rod end at the steering knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.
  5. Remove the road sensing suspension sensor link.
  6. Remove the lower ball joint cotter pin and retaining nut.
  7. Using J 36226 separate the steering knuckle from the lower control arm.

    8. Object Number: 161262 Size: SH
  8. Remove the strut to steering knuckle retaining nuts and bolts (1).
  9. Remove the steering knuckle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 161259 Size: SH
  1. Install the steering knuckle.
  2. Install the strut to steering knuckle retaining bolts and nuts.
  3. Connect the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle.

    4. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  4. Install the lower ball joint retaining nut.

    5. Tighten

        • Tighten the lower ball joint retaining nut to 10 N·m (7 lb in).
        • Tighten an additional 150 degrees (2 1/2 flats) plus an additional 60 degrees rotation for cotter pin alignment.
  5. Install a new cotter pin.
  6. Connect the Road Sensing Suspension position sensor link to the lower control arm.
  7. Connect the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering System.
  8. Install the wheel bearing and hub assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement .
  9. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  10. Lower the vehicle.