GM 18060561
Knuckle, Driver Side

The necessary tools for Steering Knuckle maintenance and repair include steering linkage and tie rod puller (J 24319-B) together with Ball Joint separator (J 36607) and Steering Knuckle seal installer (J 36605). Service and repair of the Steering Knuckle requires three key tools: steering linkage and tie rod puller (J 24319-B), ball joint separator (J 36607), and Steering Knuckle seal installer (J 36605). Start the process by lifting the vehicle then positioning it on stands while keeping the floor jack under the lower control arm fixed in position. The service begins by removing the tire and wheel before extracting the Torsion Bar then separating Wheel Hub and bearing. Using the steering linkage and tie rod puller (J 24319-B) remove the outer tie rod from the Steering Knuckle after removing both the retaining nut and the outer tie rod cotter pin. Start by removing the upper Ball Joint retaining nut and cotter pin before attaching a Ball Joint separator tool (J 36607) for upper Ball Joint separation from the knuckle. You should use a pry bar to help release the Steering Knuckle studs before repeating the process for the lower Ball Joint. Insert the seal into the Steering Knuckle through the use of the Steering Knuckle seal installer tool (J 36605). Secure the Steering Knuckle to its ball joints at the connecting points through the upper and lower retaining nuts while torquing the lower Ball Joint retaining nut to 128 nm (95 ft. Lbs.) and the upper Ball Joint retaining nut to 98 nm (72 ft. Lbs.). Use new cotter pins after you tighten the nuts sufficiently to let the pins slip inside. Secure the outer tie rod ball stud with its retaining nut by tightening it to 49 nm (36 ft. Lbs.). Then install a new cotter pin. Reinstall the hub and bearing assembly before loading the Torsion Bar and putting the tire and wheel on followed by lowering the vehicle and checking front wheel alignment.

Service and repairs of steering knuckles need these specific tools: work on the Steering Knuckle requires the tools Tie Rod End puller (J 24319-B) and Ball Joint separator (J 23742). Tie rod end puller (J 24319-B) and Ball Joint separator (J 23742). Raising the vehicle starts the process before removing tires and wheels. To protect the brake line from damage support the caliper with wire before removing the caliper alongside rotor/hub assembly and splash shield together. Service technicians must disconnect the Tie Rod End from the Steering Knuckle before they remove the knuckle gasket but only if the knuckle requires repair or replacement. After securing the floor jack under the lower Control Arm make sure to remove both upper and lower Ball Joint nuts and cotter pins before moving on. Use the Ball Joint separator (J 23742) on the knuckle to remove the upper Ball Joint stud then separate the joint from the knuckle. The same tool can disconnect the Steering Knuckle from the lower Ball Joint until the knuckle clears the joint. Solvent removes any dirt from the Steering Knuckle while checks for damage within the tapered holes. If the knuckle shows deterioration it needs replacement. First install the Steering Knuckle onto the lower Ball Joint until it reaches full seat depth before attaching it to the upper Ball Joint when lowering the upper Control Arm into position. Begin with Ball Joint nut installation before securing the upper joint with 83 nm torque (61 ft. Lbs.) and tightening the lower joint to 125 nm tension (90 ft. Lbs.). After installing new cotter pins, tighten the Ball Joint nuts an additional 1/6 turn before you bend the pins flat against the nuts. After removing the floor jack you must install the knuckle gasket before attaching the Tie Rod End to the Steering Knuckle. Device the splash shield first and secure its bolts at 14 nm (124 inch lbs.) torque then fasten the rotor/hub assembly together with the brake caliper. After Wheel Bearing adjustment install the tire-wheel assembly then lower the vehicle before performing a front wheel alignment check.