GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2005 🢒 Rainier 🢒 General Information 🢒 General Information 🢒 Steering Knuckle Replacement

Steering Knuckle Replacement RWD

Tools Required

    • J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
    • J 43631 Ball Joint Remover

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 687432 Size: SH
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Remove the wheel hub and bearing. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
  4. Remove and discard the outer tie rod retaining nut.

    5. Object Number: 643351 Size: SH
  5. Disconnect the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle using J 24319-B .

    6. Object Number: 744318 Size: SH
  6. Remove the brake hose bracket retaining bolts.
  7. Remove the brake hose bracket from the steering knuckle.

    8. Object Number: 731546 Size: SH
  8. Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor wiring harness bracket from the steering knuckle.

    9. Object Number: 731542 Size: SH
  9. Remove and discard the upper control arm to the steering knuckle pinch bolt and nut.
  10. Disconnect the upper control arm from the steering knuckle.

    11. Object Number: 742730 Size: SH
  11. Remove and discard the lower ball joint retaining nut.

    12. Object Number: 752181 Size: SH
  12. Remove the steering knuckle from the lower control arm using J 43631 .
  13. Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 742730 Size: SH
  1. Install the steering knuckle to the lower control arm.

    2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  2. Install a new lower ball joint retaining nut.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the lower ball joint retaining nut to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).


    Object Number: 731542 Size: SH
  3. Connect the upper control arm to the steering knuckle.
  4. Install a new upper control arm pinch bolt and nut.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the upper control arm pinch bolt to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).


    Object Number: 731546 Size: SH
  5. Connect the ABS wheel speed sensor wiring harness bracket to the steering knuckle.

    6. Object Number: 744318 Size: SH
  6. Install the brake hose bracket to the steering knuckle.
  7. Install the brake hose bracket retaining bolts.

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the brake hose bracket retaining bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 687432 Size: SH
  8. Install the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle.
  9. Install the new outer tie rod retaining nut.

    10. Tighten
    Tighten the outer tie rod retaining nut to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).

  10. Install the wheel hub and bearing. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
  11. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  12. Lower the vehicle.
  13. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications .

Steering Knuckle Replacement 4WD

Tools Required

    • J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
    • J 43631 Ball Joint Remover

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 731551 Size: SH
  1. Remove the tire and wheel center cap.
  2. Remove the drive axle nut.

    3. Object Number: 687432 Size: SH
  3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  4. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  5. Remove the wheel hub and bearing. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
  6. Remove and discard the outer tie rod retaining nut.

    7. Object Number: 643351 Size: SH
  7. Disconnect the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle using J 24319-B .

    8. Object Number: 744318 Size: SH
  8. Remove the brake hose bracket retaining bolts.
  9. Remove the brake hose bracket from the steering knuckle.

    10. Object Number: 731542 Size: SH
  10. Remove and discard the upper control arm to the steering knuckle pinch bolt and nut.
  11. Disconnect the upper control arm from the steering knuckle.

    12. Object Number: 742730 Size: SH
  12. Remove and discard the lower ball joint retaining nut.

    13. Object Number: 752181 Size: SH
  13. Remove the steering knuckle from the lower control arm using J 43631 .
  14. Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 742730 Size: SH
  1. Install the steering knuckle to the lower control arm.

    2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  2. Install a new lower ball joint retaining nut.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the lower ball joint retaining nut to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).


    Object Number: 731542 Size: SH
  3. Connect the upper control arm to the steering knuckle.
  4. Install a new upper control arm pinch bolt and nut.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the upper control arm pinch bolt to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).


    Object Number: 744318 Size: SH
  5. Install the brake hose bracket to the steering knuckle.
  6. Install the brake hose bracket retaining bolts.

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the brake hose bracket retaining bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 687435 Size: SH
  7. Install the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle.
  8. Install the new outer tie rod retaining nut.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the outer tie rod retaining nut to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).


    Object Number: 731551 Size: SH
  9. Install the wheel hub and bearing. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
  10. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  11. Lower the vehicle.
  12. Install the drive axle nut.

    13. Tighten
    Tighten the drive axle nut to 140 N·m (103 lb ft).

  13. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications .