OEM 2003 Chevrolet Tracker Steering Knuckle

2003 Chevrolet Tracker Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the steering knuckle on a 4WD on 2003 Chevrolet Tracker?

  A: Steering Knuckle replacement in 4wd vehicles begins with vehicle suspension and the removal of tires, wheels and brake rotors. Begin by removing both hub and bearings together with seals followed by the tie-rod nut. The Tie Rod puller (J 6627-A) functions to detach the outer Tie Rod from its connection to the knuckle. Begin repair by removing four brake shield bolts and separating the brake shield from the Spindle. From the knuckle remove the Spindle containing the drive shaft bearing while also removing the nut from the Control Arm ball stud. A jack supports the lower Control Arm so you can remove two strut bracket nuts along with two bolts. You must use the ball joint remover (J 43631) to disconnect the knuckle from its ball stud before extracting both front drive shaft inner and outer seals from the knuckle assembly. Apply wheel bearing lubricant gm p/n 1051344 or gmcl p/n 993037 to the inner seal lip and hollow space. Make sure it covers over 60 percent of the available chamber before inserting the drive shaft inner seal into the knuckle where it must touch the stepped surface. The outer seal lubrication process must be repeated before the installation begins. After securing the ball stud to the knuckle proceed to jack up the lower Control Arm and attach the knuckle to the ball stud. Secure two nuts and two bolts to the strut bracket at 95 nm (69 ft. Lbs.) and remove the jack. Install a new ball stud nut on the Control Arm with 60 nm torque (43.5 ft. Lbs) before connecting the Tie Rod to the knuckle and applying 43 nm torque (31.5 ft. Lbs) to the new Tie Rod nut . Apply general motors sealer gm p/n 1052366 or gmcl p/n 88900041 to both mating surfaces of wheel Spindle and wheel knuckle. Empirically distribute 10 g (0.4 oz) of wheel bearing lubricant, gm p/n 1051344 or gmcl p/n 993037 into wheel Spindle's recess. Install the wheel Spindle to the knuckle followed by attaching the brake shield to the Spindle before tightening all four brake shield bolts to 50 nm torque setting (36.5 ft. Lbs.). Finally reinstall all components including wheel hub, bearings, seals, brake rotor, and tire and wheel assembly. Measure wheel alignment then adjust as needed.