Installation Procedure

Install the steering knuckle seal.
Install the steering knuckle to the upper and lower ball joints ball studs.

Fig 1: Installing Steering Knuckle To Upper And Lower Ball Joints Ball Studs (RWD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
Install the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle retaining nut.
Tighten
- Tighten the lower ball joint to steering knuckle retaining nut to 108 N.m (79 lb ft).
- Tighten the lower ball joint retaining nut in order to align the cotter pin. Do not tighten the lower ball joint retaining nut more than 1/6 turn.
Install a new cotter pin to the lower ball joint retaining nut. Bend the pin ends against the nut.
Install the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle retaining nut.
Tighten

Fig 2: Installing New Cotter Pin To Lower Ball Joint Retaining Nut (RWD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Tighten the upper ball joint retaining nut to 83 N.m (61 lb ft).
- Tighten the upper ball joint retaining nut in order to align the cotter pin. Do not tighten the upper ball joint retaining nut more than 1/6 turn.
Install a new cotter pin to the upper ball joint stud. Bend the pin ends against the nut.
Install the tie rod end ball stud to the steering knuckle.
Install the outer tie rod ball retaining nut.
Tighten

Tighten the outer tie rod ball retaining nut to 53 N.m (39 lb ft).
Install a new cotter pin to the outer tie rod retaining nut. Bend the pin ends against the nut flats.
Install the wheel hub and bearing. Refer to Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (RWD Pickup) or Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (4WD Pickup and Utilities) .
Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT in Wheel Alignment.

Fig 3: Installing Tie Rod End Ball Stud To Steering Knuckle (RWD)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.