GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Knuckle and King Pin Replacement Without FH4

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 35999 Tension Scale
    • J 39758 King Pin Holding Tool
  1. Set the parking brake.
  2. Block the vehicle rear wheels.
  3. Raise the front of the vehicle until the tires clear the floor.
  4. Support the frame using suitable safety stands.
  5. Remove the front wheels. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
  6. Remove the brake components as needed. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement .
  7. Remove the brake backing plates and the dust covers.

  8. Object Number: 201703  Size: LH
  9. Remove the tie rod arm bolts (9). Lower the tie rod arm (10) and the tie rod to the floor.
  10. Remove the steering arm bolts (5). Support the steering arm (6) and the steering rod out of the way.
  11. Remove the king pin upper cap (1).
  12. Remove the following components:
  13. • The bolts (17)
    • The washers (18)
    • The king pin lower cap (15)
    • The gasket (14)

    Object Number: 201706  Size: SH
  14. Using J 39758 , insert the tool pins into the holes at the bottom of the king pin. Align the tools bolt holes and secure with two bolts into the steering knuckle. This prevents the king pin from spinning.
  15. Remove the king pin nut (2).

  16. Object Number: 201703  Size: LH
  17. Remove the king pin (12) by knocking out the pin with a soft-faced mallet.
  18. Remove the steering knuckle (20).
  19. Remove the following components from the knuckle (20):
  20. • The seals (19)
    • The bearing (3)
    • The shim or spacer (4)
    • The bushing (13)
  21. Remove the king pin bushing (13), if required. Refer to King Pin Bushing and Bearing Cup Replacement .

Inspection Procedure


    Object Number: 201703  Size: LH
  1. Clean the axle components using a cleaning solvent.
  2. Soak the thrust bearing until all of the old lubricant is gone.
  3. Inspect the axle components for the following conditions:
  4. • Wear
    • Pitting
    • Cracks
    • Damage
  5. Use Magna-Flux™ inspection, if available, in order to inspect the steering knuckle (20) and the kingpins (12) for minute cracks, checks, or fractures.
  6. Inspect the thrust bearings and the cups for rough rotation.
  7. Inspect the axle king pin (12) bores for the following conditions:
  8. • Scratches
    • Burrs
    • Corrosion
  9. Inspect the king pin bushing (13) bores for the following conditions:
  10. • Scratches
    • Burrs
    • Corrosion
  11. Smooth the bore using a crocus cloth or a fine grit sandpaper if needed. Clean the bore.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 201703  Size: LH
  1. Install the king pin bushings (13), if removed.
  2. Install the king pin bearing cup, if removed.
  3. Install the steering knuckle (20).
  4. Install the king pin (12). Install the dust seals (19).
  5. Install a shim or spacer (4).
  6. Install the king pin thrust bearing (3). Pack the bearing thoroughly with high temperature wheel bearing grease.
  7. Install the king pin nut (2).

  8. Object Number: 201706  Size: SH
  9. Using J 39758 insert the tool pins into the holes at the bottom of the king pin.
  10. Align the tool's bolt holes.
  11. 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.

  12. Secure the tool with two bolts into the steering knuckle in order to keep the king pin from spinning.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the king pin nut (2) to 550 N·m (406 lb ft).


    Object Number: 201718  Size: SH
  14. Measure the king pin bearing preload using the J-35999. Refer to King Pin Bearing Preload .

  15. Object Number: 201703  Size: LH
  16. Install the following components:
  17. • The bottom gasket (14)
    • The dust cap (15)
    • The flat washers (18)
    • The bolts (17)

    Tighten
    Tighten the dust cap bolt to 24 N·m (18 lb ft).

  18. Install the king pin upper dust cap (1). Tap into place with a soft-faced mallet. Grease the knuckle (19) through the lubrication fitting (16) on the bottom.
  19. Install the tie rod arm (10).
  20. Install the steering arm (6), if removed.
  21. Install the brake backing plate and the dust cover.
  22. Install the brake components as needed. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement .
  23. Install the front wheels. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
  24. Remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle.
  25. Check the axle alignment.
  26. Check the stop screw (7, 8) adjustment. Adjust as needed. Refer to Stop Screw Adjustment in Wheel Alignment.