GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Knuckle Replacement 4WD, 2WD Z71

Tools Required

    • J-42188-B Ball Joint Separator
    • J 43631 Ball Joint Remover

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Support the lower control arm.
  4. Remove the wheel drive shaft nut. Discard the nut.
  5. Remove the brake caliper bracket. Refer to Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
  6. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor harness from the chassis harness.
  7. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor harness from inner fender panel.
  8. Disconnect the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .

  9. Object Number: 1261391  Size: SH
  10. Remove the upper control arm retaining nuts from the ball joint studs.
  11. Remove the lower control arm retaining nut.
  12. Separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 43631 .

  13. Object Number: 1135803  Size: SH
  14. Remove the steering knuckle assembly from the vehicle and set on a bench.
  15. Remove the ball joint using the J-42188-B .
  16. Remove the wheel hub and bearing assembly. Refer to Wheel Hub/Speed Sensor Replacement .

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the wheel hub and bearing assembly. Refer to Wheel Hub/Speed Sensor Replacement .
  2. Clean all grease and contaminants from the tapered section and the threads of the upper ball joint, the lower ball joint, and the tie rod end.
  3. Clean and inspect the taper holes and the mounting surfaces of the steering knuckle. If any of the tapered holes are elongated, out of round, or damaged, replace the steering knuckle.
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1261391  Size: SH
  5. Connect the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle and install the retaining nut.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 138 N·m (102 lb ft).

  7. Connect the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle and install the retaining nut.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).

  9. Connect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
  10. Connect the wheel speed sensor harness to the chassis harness.
  11. Connect the wheel speed sensor harness to inner fender panel.
  12. Install the brake caliper bracket. Refer to Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement .
  13. Install the new wheel drive shaft nut. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement .
  14. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  15. Remove the control arm support.
  16. Lower the vehicle .
  17. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications .

Steering Knuckle Replacement 2WD, Z85, ZQ8

Tools Required

    • J-42188-B Ball Joint Separator
    • J 43631 Ball Joint Remover

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Support the lower control arm.
  4. Remove the wheel hub and bearing assembly. Refer to Wheel Hub/Speed Sensor Replacement .
  5. Disconnect the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
  6. Remove the upper control arm retaining nut. Discard the nut.
  7. Separate the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J-42188-B .
  8. Remove the lower control arm retaining nut. Discard the nut.
  9. Separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 43631 .

  10. Object Number: 1135743  Size: SH
  11. Remove the steering knuckle.

Installation Procedure

  1. Clean all grease and contaminants from the tapered section and the threads of the upper ball joint, the lower ball joint, and the tie rod end.
  2. Clean and inspect the taper holes and the mounting surfaces of the steering knuckle. If any of the tapered holes are elongated, out of round, or damaged, replace the steering knuckle.

  3. Object Number: 1135743  Size: SH
  4. Install the steering knuckle.
  5. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  6. Connect the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle and install the retaining nut.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 138 N·m (102 lb ft).

  8. Connect the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle and install the retaining nut.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).

  10. Connect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
  11. Install the wheel hub and bearing assembly. Refer to Wheel Hub/Speed Sensor Replacement .
  12. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  13. Remove the lower control arm support.
  14. Lower the vehicle .
  15. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications .