Steering Knuckle: Removal
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 1987 GMC Safari, 1987 GMC S15 Pickup, 1987 GMC S15 Jimmy, 1987 GMC Cab & Chassis, and 1987 Chevrolet S10 Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Raise and support vehicle with jack stands, at front lift points. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Detach brake caliper mounting bolts. Remove caliper and hang out of work area with wire. Do not hang by flexible brake hose.NOTE: Spring tension is needed to assist in breaking ball joint studs loose from steering knuckle. Do not place stands under lower control arm at this time.
- Remove hub and rotor assembly. Remove splash shield. Separate tie rod end stud from steering knuckle using Tie Rod Remover (J-6627 ).
- If replacing knuckle, carefully remove knuckle grease seal. Using Ball Joint Separator (J-23742
), separate ball joint studs from knuckle. Position floor jack under lower control arm, near spring seat. Raise jack until lower control arm is just supported.CAUTION: Floor jack must remain under control arm spring seat during removal and installation to retain spring and control arm in position.
- Raise upper control arm to disengage ball joint stud from knuckle. Raise knuckle from lower ball joint stud and remove from vehicle. Clean knuckle thoroughly.