OEM 2001 Cadillac Catera Steering Knuckle

2001 Cadillac Catera Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the steering knuckle on 2001 Cadillac Catera?

  A: Begin Steering Knuckle replacement by lifting up the vehicle then supporting it while removing the tire followed by the wheel and Wheel Hub. Start by removing brake disc rotor splash shield bolts and then take out the splash shield itself. Detach the outer tie rod from the Steering Knuckle through the combination of removing the ball stud nut and using the tie rod/wheel stud puller (J 6627-A). Detachment of Steering Knuckle bolts from strut should be followed by Steering Knuckle strut removal. Detach the Steering Knuckle from the lower control arm ball stud by removing its rear-facing pinch bolt. Fasten the Steering Knuckle onto the lower control arm ball stud while using a new rear-to-front directed lower control arm ball stud pinch bolt for installation. Tighten the pinch bolt to 100 nm of torque (74 ft. Lbs.) by specification. The Steering Knuckle can be mounted to the strut through new bolts that need to be inserted starting at the vehicle front and migrating toward the rear. First torque down the Steering Knuckle to strut bolts until they reach a snug fit before making final adjustments following camber corrections. Begin installation of the outer tie rod to the Steering Knuckle then verify that ball stud threads and taper are free of damage. The linkage installer (J 42089) serves to clamp the tie rod ball stud until it reaches 30 nm (22 ft. Lbs.) torque before removing the tool. Use a new self-locking tie rod nut and apply 60 nm (44 ft. Lbs.) torque to it. Reinstall the brake disc rotor splash shield and bolts at 4 nm torque (35 inch lbs.) then replace the Wheel Hub and front tire and wheel components before lowering the vehicle for wheel alignment adjustment.