FixVault
Home › GMC › 2002 › Jimmy 2D Utility, Part Time, Standard › Repair and Diagnosis › External Pages › Different car › Section 1372 (Front Suspension System) › Repair Instructions › Steering Knuckle Replacement › Installation Procedure

Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    Fig 1: Steering Knuckle Cotter Pin, Ball Stud Nut And Ball Joint
    GM431948Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
    IMPORTANT: Do not loosen the nut in order to insert the cotter pin.
  1. Install the ball joint (3) and the nut (4) to the steering knuckle (2).

    Tighten:  Tighten the nut to 103 N.m (76.0 lb ft). Tighten the nut up to 1/6 additional turn in order to insert the cotter pin.

  2. Install a NEW cotter pin (5) to the ball joint stud. Bend the cotter pin ends in order to retain the nut.
  3. Install the front wheel bearing and the disc brake shield to the steering knuckle. Refer to Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
    4. IMPORTANT: Do not tighten the nuts or the bolts.
  4. Install the following components to the lower side of the strut assembly:
    • The steering knuckle
    • The 2 bolts
    • The 2 nuts
    5. IMPORTANT: Do not loosen the nut in order to insert the cotter pin.
  5. Install the outer tie rod and the nut to the steering knuckle.

    Tighten:  Tighten the outer tie rod nut to 49 N.m (36 lb ft). Tighten the nut up to 1/6 additional turn in order to insert the cotter pin.

  6. Install a NEW cotter pin to the tie rod ball joint stud. Bend the cotter pin ends in order to retain the nut.
  7. Install the front brake rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement - Front in Disc Brakes.
  8. Install a NEW drive shaft nut while an assistant applies the brakes.

    Tighten:  Tighten the nut to 216 N.m (159 lb ft).

  9. Stake the drive shaft nut into the slot on the wheel drive shaft.
    10. Fig 2: Control Arm Nuts And Bolts
    GM821222Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Install the bolt (3) and the 2 nuts (1,2) to the control arm.

    Tighten:  Tighten the bolt and the 2 nuts to 89 N.m (65.6 lb ft).

  11. Tighten the nuts and the bolts on the lower side of the strut assembly.

    Tighten:  Tighten the nuts and bolts to 220 N.m (162.3 lb ft).

  12. If the vehicle has ABS, install the ABS wheel speed sensor to the knuckle. Refer to Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement - Front in Antilock Brake System.
  13. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  14. Lower the vehicle.
  15. Measure the front wheel alignment. Adjust as necessary. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment in Wheel Alignment.
About FixVault