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Home › Pontiac › 2001 › Aztek Base, AWD › Repair and Diagnosis › External Pages › Different car › Section 1491 (Front Suspension) › Repair Instructions › Steering Knuckle Replacement › Installation Procedure

Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    Fig 1: Steering Knuckle, Strut Bolts & Nuts
    GM929934Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  1. Install the steering knuckle to strut assembly.
  2. Loosely install the strut to steering knuckle bolts and nuts.
    3. Fig 2: View Of Lower Ball Joint Stud Cotter Pin & Nut
    GM929893Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  3. Install the control arm ball stud into the steering knuckle.
    4. NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
    NOTE: There are 2 different ball studs used on this vehicle. The ball stud type must be identified in order to use the correct torque value when tightening the ball stud nut. If the wrong torque is used, damage could occur to the ball stud.
  4. Using the SA9140E  , install the ball stud nut.

    Tighten: 

    1. If the bottom of the ball stud has a cup and is silver, tighten the nut to 60 N.m (44 lb ft).
    2. If the bottom of the ball stud is flat and black, tighten the nut to 40 N.m (30 lb ft).

  5. Tighten the strut to steering knuckle bolts and nuts.

    Tighten:  Tighten the bolts and nuts to 180 N.m (133 lb ft).

    6. IMPORTANT: Do not loosen the castle nut for cotter pin installation.
  6. Tighten the castle nut enough to allow for cotter pin installation.
    7. IMPORTANT: The cotter pin must not contact the wheel speed sensor or drive axle.
  7. Install the cotter pin.
    8. Fig 3: View Of Wheel Bearing/Hub Assembly & Mounting Bolts
    GM933099Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. Install the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to Wheel Bearing/Hub Replacement - Front .
    9. Fig 4: View Of Tie Rod, Knuckle & Tapered Ball Stud
    GM891579Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Connect the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle.
  10. Use the J 44015  to seat the ball stud taper to 40 N.m (30 lb ft).
  11. Remove the J 44015  .
    12. Fig 5: View Of Tie Rod End To Steering Knuckle
    GM854972Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  12. Install a new tie rod retention nut.

    Tighten:  Tighten the nut to 60 N.m (44 lb ft).

    13. Fig 6: View Of Stabilizer Link & Strut Nut
    GM929862Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    IMPORTANT: Do not allow the stabilizer link ball stud to rotate while installing the link nut.
  13. Connect the stabilizer link to the strut assembly.

    Tighten:  Tighten the nut to 65 N.m (48 lb ft).

  14. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  15. Lower the vehicle.
  16. Perform a wheel alignment. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment in Wheel Alignment.
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