GM 19303855
Knuckle, Driver Side

To perform the service and repair to the Steering Knuckle, start with lifting and supporting the vehicle first, and then remove the tire and wheel. Next, disconnect wheel bearing/hub from the vehicle and remove the outer Tie Rod End retaining nut. Using universal steering linkage puller (J24319-B) pull up the outer tie rod from the Steering Knuckle, the next thing taken off is the lower Ball Joint cotter pin and retaining nut. Use the Ball Joint separator (J43828) to release the lower Ball Joint from the Steering Knuckle and remove the front strut to the Steering Knuckle bolts and nuts in taking out the Steering Knuckle from the vehicle. For installation on the Steering Knuckle is fixed together with the lower Ball Joint, make sure the nut is tightened up to, but not more than 60 degrees of total rotation additional for cotter pin alignment without backing up the nut. Install the lower Ball Joint retaining nut- tighten to 10 nm (88 inch lbs) plus additional 180 degrees - 300 degrees (3 - 5 flats) and then install a new cotter pin. Next, attach the outer Tie Rod End to the Steering Knuckle and tighten the outer Tie Rod End nut to 70 nm (52 ft. Lbs.). Mount the Steering Knuckle on the strut to mounting bolts and nuts and tighten the nuts to 185 nm(136 ft. Lbs). Go ahead and install the hub and bearing to the Steering Knuckle/drive axle, and then install the brake rotor. Tighten the drive axle nut, using a drift or screwdriver to stop the rotor from turning with a torque of 160 nm (118 ft. Lbs). Lastly, put the tire and wheel back and align the car.

Replacing the Steering Knuckle needs the proper sequence of steps starting with vehicle lift and wheel and tire removal then Wheel Bearing and hub separation. Start by breaking all connections between the lower Ball Joint cotter pin and retaining nut and the outer tie rod retaining nut. Start by using the steering linkage and tie rod puller (J 24319-B) on the outer tie rod then use the Ball Joint separator (J 43828) to disconnect the Ball Joint from the Steering Knuckle. After removing all nuts and bolts which hold the Steering Knuckle to the strut, remove the Steering Knuckle itself. The installation involves positioning the Steering Knuckle between the lower Ball Joint and strut while correctly tightening all strut retaining fasteners. Secure Steering Knuckle to strut retaining nuts to 147 nm (108 ft. Lbs.), subsequently torque the lower Ball Joint retaining nut to 10 nm (88 inch lbs.) while turning it an additional 150° to achieve correct cotter pin alignment. Maintain the nut torque up to a maximum of 60° additional rotation before final tightening. You should install a new cotter pin before mounting the outer tie rod to the Steering Knuckle while tightening the outer tie rod retaining nut to 30 nm (22 ft. Lbs.) and adding an additional 180° rotation. To complete the procedure reinstall the Wheel Bearing and hub assembly as well as the tire and wheel then verify wheel alignment.

Remove the lower ball joint cotter pin and retaining nut, then use the Ball Joint Separator (J 43828) to separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.

Tighten the ball joint nut for cotter pin alignment and install the cotter pin.

Remove the brake rotor, disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector, and take out the wheel bearing and hub retaining bolts.

Attach it and secure it with the retaining nut tightened to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).

Remove the drive axle nut followed by the brake rotor.

Install the hub and bearing to the steering knuckle/drive axle, securing the hub and bearing retaining bolts to 152 Nm (112 ft. lbs.).

Use the Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller (J 24319-B) to separate the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle.

Check the wheel alignment.

Raise and support the vehicle.