Steering Knuckle Replacement Guide

1. Vehicle Prep & Safety
Lift and secure the vehicle
Use a floor jack on the manufacturer's lift points.
Support the vehicle on jack stands—never rely solely on a hydraulic jack.  Remove the wheel
Break lug nuts loose before lifting, then fully remove them.
Pull the wheel off and set it aside.  Disconnect the battery
Prevents accidental airbag deployment or electrical shorts.

2. Disassemble Brake & Hub
Unbolt the brake caliper
Support it with wire or bungee—never let it hang by the brake hose.  Remove the rotor
May require tapping with a rubber mallet if corroded.  Unplug ABS/wheel speed sensor
Press the connector tab gently—avoid yanking wires.

3. Separate Suspension Links
Detach the tie rod end
Loosen the castle nut, then use a pickle fork or puller to separate.  Release the ball joint(s)
For MacPherson: Remove the pinch bolt securing the strut to the knuckle.
For double wishbone: Break the ball joint taper free from the control arm(s).  Support the control arm
Place a small jack under it to prevent tension on bushings.

4. Remove Axle & Old Knuckle
Remove the axle nut
Use an impact wrench or breaker bar (driven wheels only).  Tap out the CV axle
Carefully smack the axle head with a brass drift—avoid damaging splines.  Unbolt the knuckle
Remove hub assembly bolts or separate the knuckle from the bearing.  Slide the knuckle off
Maneuver it clear of suspension/steering links.

5. Prep New Knuckle & Parts
Clean mating surfaces
Remove rust/debris from hub, strut, and control arm mounts.  Apply anti-seize
Coat CV axle splines, bolt threads, and ball joint tapers.  Inspect adjacent parts
Replace worn bearings, ball joints, or seals before reassembly.

6. Install New Knuckle
Position the knuckle
Align it with control arms and strut/wishbone mounts.  Slide in the CV axle
Rotate slightly if splines resist—never force it.  Hand-tighten bolts
Leave all suspension bolts loose for alignment adjustments.

7. Reconnect Components
Attach tie rod end
Thread onto the knuckle arm, torque nut, and install new cotter pin.  Secure ball joints
Torque nuts to spec—never reuse old cotter pins or stretch bolts.  Bolt strut/wishbone
MacPherson: Align strut pinch bolt and torque evenly.

8. Reassemble Brakes & Hub
Mount brake rotor
Ensure it sits flush against the hub.  Reinstall caliper
Bolt bracket to knuckle first, then caliper to bracket.  Reconnect ABS sensor
Secure wiring away from moving parts.

9. Final Torque & Wheels
Tighten all bolts to spec
Use a torque wrench—guessing causes failures. Critical bolts:
Ball joints
Strut pinch
Hub assembly
Tie rod end  Install axle nut
Torque while pressing the brake pedal, then stake/seal it.  Mount wheel
Hand-tighten lug nuts, lower vehicle, then torque in a star pattern.

10. Post-Installation Must-Dos
Bleed the brakes
Air enters when calipers are opened—spongy pedals are dangerous.  Check power steering fluid
Top off if leaked during tie rod work.  Get a professional wheel alignment
Non-negotiable—new knuckles alter toe, camber, and caster.  Test drive cautiously
Drive slowly first, listening for clunks or pulls. Check for leaks.