GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1998 🢒 Firefly (Canada) 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Rear Suspension 🢒 Knuckle Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal .

    3. Object Number: 177571 Size: MH
  3. Remove the brake drum/hub assembly (6).
    4. 3.1. Remove the spindle nut dust cap (11). Use a flat-bladed tool in order to pry off the cap.
    3.2. Unstake and remove the spindle nut (10) and the washer (9).
    3.3. Gently tap on the brake drum/hub assembly (6) using a hammer in order to break the assembly loose from the spindle.

    Object Number: 177575 Size: SH
  4. Remove the brake hose bracket (2) from the knuckle (3).
  5. If the vehicle is ABS equipped, disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.

    6. Object Number: 177581 Size: SH
  6. Remove the brake pipe from the brake backing plate (3). Insert the backing plate breather plug cap (1) onto the pipe (2) in order to prevent fluid from spilling.

    7. Object Number: 177583 Size: SH
  7. Remove the brake backing plate from the knuckle by removing the four bolts (1).
  8. Remove the control rod-to-knuckle nut and the washer.

    9. Object Number: 188437 Size: SH
  9. Remove the control rod (2) from the knuckle (1).
  10. Support the suspension arm using a floor jack.

    11. Object Number: 177565 Size: SH
  11. Remove the strut-to-knuckle bolt (3).

    12. Object Number: 177554 Size: SH
  12. Remove the suspension arm-to-knuckle bolt and the nut (1).
  13. Remove the knuckle from the suspension arm and the nut.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 177569 Size: SH
  1. Install the knuckle (2) to the strut. Position the bottom of the strut alignment projection (1) inside the knuckle opening.

    2. Object Number: 177554 Size: SH

    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.

  2. Install the strut-to-knuckle bolt.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the strut-to-knuckle bolt to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).

  3. Install the suspension arm-to-knuckle bolt and the nut (1).

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the suspension arm-to-knuckle nut and the bolt to 40 N·m (29 lb ft).

  4. Install the control rod to the knuckle stud. Secure the control rod with a washer and nut.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the control rod-to-suspension knuckle nut to 80 N·m (59 lb ft).

  5. Remove the floor jack.

    6. Object Number: 177584 Size: SH
  6. Apply GM P/N 12346240, or equivalent, to the mating surfaces of the brake backing plate and the suspension knuckle (1).
  7. Install the brake backing plate to the knuckle. Secure the plate with four bolts.

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the brake backing plate bolts to 23 N·m (17 lb ft).

  8. Install the brake fluid pipe to the brake backing plate.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the brake fluid pipe flare nut to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).

  9. If the vehicle is ABS equipped, connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
  10. Install the bleeder valve cap onto the bleeder valve.
  11. Install the brake hose bracket to the knuckle.

    12. Tighten
    Tighten the brake hose bracket bolt to 23 N·m (17 lb ft).

  12. Install the brake drum/hub assembly to the knuckle spindle.
  13. Install the washer and the spindle nut to the knuckle spindle.

    14. Tighten

        • If the vehicle is wheel hub equipped, tighten the spindle nut to 170 N·m (120 lb ft).
        • If the vehicle is non-wheel hub equipped, tighten the spindle nut to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).
  14. Stake the spindle nut.
  15. Install the spindle nut dust cap.
  16. Install the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Installation .
  17. Lower the vehicle.
  18. Bleed the brake system. Refer to Vehicle Certification Label .
  19. Inspect the brake drum for free rotation. Refer to Brake Drum Inspection .
  20. Inspect the brake system performance.
  21. Inspect for brake fluid leaks. Refer to Brake Fluid Leak .