GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2006 🢒 VUE - FWD 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Front Suspension 🢒 Steering Knuckle Replacement

Tools Required

    • J 43828 Ball Joint Remover
    • J 44015 Steering Linkage Installer
    • SA91100C Tie Rod Separator
    • SA9140E Torque Angle Gage

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. Object Number: 929862 Size: SH

    Important: Do not allow the stabilizer link ball stud to rotate while removing the link nut.

  3. Disconnect the stabilizer link from the strut assembly.

    4. Object Number: 933116 Size: SH
  4. Loosen the steering knuckle to strut bolts and nuts.

    5. Object Number: 933099 Size: SH
  5. Remove the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement .

    6. Object Number: 929893 Size: SH
  6. Remove and discard the lower ball joint cotter pin.
  7. Loosen the ball stud nut, until level with the top of the ball stud.

    8. Object Number: 932518 Size: SH
  8. Using the J 43828 , separate the lower control arm from the steering knuckle.
  9. Remove the lower control arm and nut from the steering knuckle.
  10. Remove the outer tie rod end to knuckle nut.

    11. Object Number: 854983 Size: SH
  11. Using the SA91100C , separate the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle.

    12. Object Number: 929934 Size: SH
  12. Remove the steering knuckle to strut bolts and nuts. Discard the bolts and nuts.
  13. Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 929934 Size: SH
  1. Install the steering knuckle to strut assembly.
  2. Loosely install the strut to steering knuckle bolts and nuts.

    3. Object Number: 929893 Size: SH
  3. Install the control arm ball stud into the steering knuckle.

    4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  4. Using the SA9140E , install the ball stud nut.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

  5. Tighten the strut to steering knuckle bolts and nuts.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts and nuts to 180 N·m (133 lb ft).

    Important: Do not loosen the castle nut for cotter pin installation.

  6. Tighten the castle nut enough to allow for cotter pin installation.

    7. Important: The cotter pin must not contact the wheel speed sensor or drive axle.

  7. Install the cotter pin.

    8. Object Number: 933099 Size: SH
  8. Install the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement .

    9. Object Number: 891579 Size: SH
  9. Connect the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle.
  10. Use the J 44015 to seat the ball stud taper to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).
  11. Remove the J 44015 .

    12. Object Number: 854972 Size: SH
  12. Install a new tie rod retention nut.

    13. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 25 N·m (18 lb ft) plus 90 degrees.


    Object Number: 929862 Size: SH

    Important: Do not allow the stabilizer link ball stud to rotate while installing the link nut.

  13. Connect the stabilizer link to the strut assembly.

    14. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 65 N·m (48 lb ft).

  14. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  15. Lower the vehicle.
  16. Perform a wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement .