Your steering knuckle might be damaged if you’re experiencing issues like strange noises while turning or a shaky steering wheel.
A faulty steering knuckle can lead to serious driving problems, compromising your safety and the vehicle’s handling.
Don’t worry, though! Replacing the steering knuckle is manageable if you have the right tools and instructions.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to replace steering knuckles and get your vehicle back on track.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Replace Steering Knuckle
What Tools Are Needed to Replace Steering Knuckles?
To replace your steering knuckle, you’ll need a few essential tools:
- Jack and jack stands: To safely lift and support the vehicle.
- Socket wrench set: To remove and tighten bolts.
- Ball joint separator tool: To detach the ball joints.
- Torque wrench: To ensure bolts are tightened to the correct specification.
- Pry bar: To assist in separating tight components.
- Replacement knuckle: Make sure you have the correct part for your vehicle.
Step 1: Lift the Vehicle and Remove the Wheel
The first thing you’ll need to do is safely lift the car using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
Make sure the vehicle is parked on a level, stable surface.
Once the car is lifted, remove the wheel to gain access to the steering components.
It’s essential to support the vehicle correctly to prevent any accidents.
Step 2: Loosen the Axle Nut
With the wheel removed, locate the axle nut at the center of the wheel hub.
Using a socket wrench, loosen and remove this nut.
Keep in mind that the axle nut may be tight, so you might need a breaker bar to apply extra force.
Once removed, you’ll be able to access the steering knuckle.
Step 3: Remove the Brake Components
Before you can remove the steering knuckle, you’ll need to disconnect the brake caliper.
Use a socket wrench to unbolt the caliper from the rotor and move it aside.
Be cautious with the brake lines—do not disconnect them unless necessary.
If your car has ABS sensors, make sure to carefully disconnect these as well to prevent damage.
Step 4: Disconnect the Ball Joints
The next step involves removing the ball joints from the steering knuckle.
Depending on your car’s make and model, you may need to remove two ball joints—one at the upper and one at the lower parts of the knuckle.
To do this:
- Utilize a ball joint separation tool to disconnect the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
- If the joint is stubborn, you can tap the separator tool lightly with a hammer to break it loose.
Take your time with this step, as improper removal could damage the ball joints, making it more difficult to reassemble.
Step 5: Detach the Steering Knuckle
After removing the ball joints, you can now detach the steering knuckle from the vehicle.
Depending on your model, you may also need to disconnect the tie rods or sway bar links if they are connected to the knuckle.
Once all components are disconnected, carefully remove the knuckle from its position.
Step 6: Install the New Steering Knuckle
With the old knuckle removed, you can now start installing the new steering knuckle.
Place the new knuckle in position and align it with the suspension and steering components.
Start reattaching the ball joints and tighten the nuts and bolts securely.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s specifications for torque settings, as improper tightening can lead to issues later on.
Step 7: Reattach the Brake Components
Once the knuckle is securely in place, it’s time to reattach the brake caliper.
Ensure that all brake components are properly connected and that there are no loose fittings.
Reconnect any ABS sensors or brake lines that were detached earlier.
Step 8: Reinstall the Axle Nut
After the knuckle and brake components are back in place, it’s time to reinstall the axle nut.
Tighten the nut to the manufacturer’s specifications.
This is important for ensuring the stability of the wheel hub and avoiding any issues while driving.
Step 9: Reinstall the Wheel
Finally, place the wheel back on the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts using a cross-pattern method to ensure even pressure distribution.
Lower the vehicle from the jack stands and use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque specifications.
Final Checks
Before you take your car for a test drive, perform a final inspection to ensure everything is securely tightened and all components are in place.
Check the brake lines, axle nuts, and ball joints one last time to ensure nothing has come loose.
Summary
Knowing how to replace steering knuckle is essential for maintaining your vehicle’s safety and performance.
If you do not know when to replace the steering knuckles, you can check another article here.
Whether you’re tackling this job at home or through a repair shop, ensure you have the right tools and knowledge.
If you’re not confident in handling the replacement, it’s best to consult with an experienced mechanic.
