GM 19303834
Knuckle, Driver Side

The Steering Knuckle replacement for a 4wd vehicle demands these essential tools: ball joint remover (J43631) and Ball Joint separator (J6627A). Ball joint remover (J 43631) together with Ball Joint separator (J 6627-A) provides all the needed instruments for the task. Start by elevating the vehicle and place it on supports before taking out the tire along with the wheel. The wheel drive shaft nut needs removal after support of the lower Control Arm. First disconnect the wheel speed sensor harness from the inner fender panel and chassis harness before removing the Brake Caliper Bracket. Begin by disconnecting the outer tie rod from the Steering Knuckle before you separate the upper Control Arm retaining nuts from Ball Joint studs and remove the lower Control Arm retaining nut. Use the Ball Joint remover model j 43631 to detach the lower Steering Knuckle Ball Joint from the Steering Knuckle assembly. After that position the Steering Knuckle assembly on a bench. You should use Ball Joint separator (J 6627-A) to extract the Ball Joint so you can remove the Wheel Hub and bearing assembly. Begin installation with the Wheel Hub and bearing assembly but thoroughly clean all grease and contaminants from the tapered sections and threads of the upper Ball Joint, lower Ball Joint and Tie Rod End. Steering Knuckle components need replacement if mounting surfaces show elongated tapered holes or out-of-round deformities or damage. Hook up the Ball Joint at the lower end to the Steering Knuckle then bolt the retaining nut and torque it to 145 n.m (107 lb ft). Connect the upper Ball Joint to the Steering Knuckle then secure its retaining nut by tightening to a torque of 75 n.m (55 lb ft). First reconnect the outer tie rod to the Steering Knuckle then feed the wheel speed sensor harness through both the chassis harness and inner fender panel for reinstallation. After installation of the Brake Caliper Bracket with new wheel drive shaft nut the tire should be put back on with the wheel. When ready to check wheel alignment the driver should remove the Control Arm support and lower the vehicle.

Even though you're replacing the Steering Knuckle in your 4wd vehicle you must start by raising and supporting the vehicle followed by taking off the tire and wheel. Detach the wheel drive shaft nut before you support the lower Control Arm and throw the nut away. The wheel speed sensor harness requires disconnecting from the inner fender panel while also separating from the chassis harness before Brake Caliper Bracket removal. First disconnect the outer tie rod from the Steering Knuckle and remove upper Control Arm retaining nuts that hold the Ball Joint studs together before separating the lower Control Arm retaining nut. Use j 43631 Ball Joint remover (J 43631) to remove the lower Ball Joint from the Steering Knuckle before attaching the knuckle assembly to a bench for removal. Using the j 6627-a Ball Joint separator (J 6627-A) disassemble the Ball Joint followed by removal of the Wheel Hub and bearing assembly. Installation begins by assembling the Wheel Hub and bearing components although proper cleaning should occur of all grease and contaminants on the tapered sections of the upper Ball Joint and lower Ball Joint together with the Tie Rod End. Check the taper holes and mounting surfaces of the Steering Knuckle then replace the component when any tapered holes demonstrate elongation, out-of-round shape or damage. After connecting the lower Ball Joint to the Steering Knuckle install the retaining nut at 145 nm (107 ft. Lbs.) while the upper Ball Joint retention needs 75 nm (55 ft. Lbs.) for installation torques. Secure the outer tie rod to the Steering Knuckle followed by connecting the wheel speed sensor harness to both the chassis harness and the inner fender panel. After installing the Brake Caliper Bracket and wheel drive shaft nut, add new tire and wheel. Finish up by removing the Control Arm support then lowering the vehicle while checking wheel alignment.

The first step to replace a Steering Knuckle requires vehicle elevation followed by support methods. First remove the tire and wheel assembly before using a suitable jack to support the lower Control Arm. Supporting brake caliper assemblies with mechanics wire becomes important before total removal from the system. 4wd vehicles require isolating the front wheel drive shaft from the Steering Knuckle during replacement. The process begins by harvesting the speed sensor wiring harness from its retaining clips on the upper Control Arm and frame. This step must be followed by unseating the outer Tie Rod End from the knuckle. First remove the knuckle-connected upper Ball Joint before dislodging the lower Ball Joint. After removing the knuckle from both upper and lower control arms, remove the Wheel Hub and bearing assembly from the knuckle structure. Begin wheel assembly installation by placing the Wheel Hub and bearing assembly onto the knuckle then install the lower Control Arm/ball joint into the knuckle. Start by putting drive shafts of 4wd vehicles into the knuckle and then add upper Control Arm/ball joint assemblies. Put the outer Tie Rod End to its mating position on the knuckle after bolting down the speed sensor wiring harness clips into its notches. Attachment of brake caliper mounting bracket and wheel drive shaft retaining nut must follow specified requirements. Finish the installation by removing the lower Control Arm support then place on the tire wheel and lower down your vehicle.

Support it with a suitable jack.