GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering Knuckle Replacement RWD

Tools Required

    • J 43631 Ball Joint Remover
    • J 45851 Ball Joint Separator Protector Adapters

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. Remove the wheel hub and bearing. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
  4. Support the lower control arm with a suitable jack.
  5. Disconnect the outer tie rod from the knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement or Tie Rod Replacement .
  6. Remove the brake hose bracket retaining bolt from the knuckle.

  7. Object Number: 853946  Size: SH
  8. Remove the retaining nut and separate the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 43631 and J 45851 .

  9. Object Number: 853943  Size: SH
  10. Remove the retaining nut and separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 43631 and J 45851 .

  11. Object Number: 371426  Size: SH
  12. 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, the replace the steering knuckle.

  3. Object Number: 371426  Size: SH
  4. Install the steering knuckle.
  5. 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.

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

  8. Connect the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle and install the retaining nut.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the retaining nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  10. Install the brake hose bracket retaining bolt to the knuckle.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

  12. Connect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement or Tie Rod Replacement .
  13. Install the wheel hub and bearing. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
  14. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  15. Remove the safety stands.
  16. Lower the vehicle .

Steering Knuckle Replacement 4WD

Tools Required

    • J 43631 Ball Joint Remover
    • J 45851 Ball Joint Separator Protector Adapters
    • J-42188-B Ball Joint Separator

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. Remove the wheel hub and bearing assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
  4. Support the lower control arm with a suitable jack.
  5. Disconnect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Refer to Tie Rod Replacement .

  6. Object Number: 367084  Size: SH
  7. Remove the brake hose bracket retaining bolt from the steering knuckle.

  8. Object Number: 1809906  Size: SH
  9. Remove the upper control arm retaining nut and separate the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J-42188-B .

  10. Object Number: 853943  Size: SH
  11. Remove the lower control arm retaining nut. Separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 43631 and J 45851 .

  12. Object Number: 371423  Size: SH
  13. 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: 371423  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 lower control arm retaining nut to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).

  8. Connect the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle and install the retaining nut.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the upper control arm retaining nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).


    Object Number: 367084  Size: SH
  10. Install the brake hose and the bracket retaining bolt to the steering knuckle
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

  12. Connect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Refer to Tie Rod Replacement .
  13. Install the wheel hub and bearing assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
  14. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  15. Remove the lower control arm support.
  16. Lower the vehicle .
  17. Align the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement .