Steering Knuckle R&R

Front

1 Remove front wheel bearing and hub assembly. 2 Separate steering linkage outer tie rod at steering knuckle. 3 Separate front lower control arm at steering knuckle, Fig. 1. 4 Separate front suspension strut at steering knuckle, Fig. 2. 5 Remove steering knuckle from vehicle. 6 Transfer components, as required. 7 Reverse procedure to install, noting following: a. Torque front suspension strut to knuckle bolt to 137 ft. lbs. b. Torque front lower control arm ball joint nut to 89 inch lbs., and turn an additional 165°. c. Torque outer tie rod stud nut to 15 ft. lbs., and turn an additional 110°-130°. d. Torque front wheel bearing and hub bolt to 96 ft. lbs.

Rear

Caution: Support brake caliper with heavy mechanic wire, or equivalent, whenever it is separated from its mount and hydraulic flexible brake hose is still connected. Failure to support caliper in this manner will cause flexible brake hose to bear weight of caliper, which may cause damage to brake hose and in turn may cause a brake fluid leak.

1 Raise and support vehicle. 2 Remove tire and wheel. 3 Disconnect rear park brake cable from park brake actuator, Fig. 3. 4 Remove park brake cable from mounting bracket, using release tool No. J-37043, or equivalent. 5 Remove brake caliper and bracket as an assembly and support it with heavy mechanics wire or equivalent. 6 Remove wheel bearing/hub assembly. 7 Remove upper control arm to knuckle bolt and nut, Fig. 4. 8 Remove lower control arm to knuckle bolt and nut, Fig. 5. 9 Remove toe link to knuckle bolt and nut, Fig. 6. 10 Remove three trailing arm to knuckle bolts, Fig. 7. 11 Remove knuckle from vehicle. 12 Reverse procedure to install, noting following: a. Torque knuckle to lower control arm bolt and nut to 118 ft. lbs. b. Torque knuckle to upper control arm bolt and nut to 118 ft. lbs. c. Torque knuckle to toe link bolt and nut to 118 ft. lbs. d. Torque three trailing arm to knuckle bolts to 44 ft. lbs., and turn an additional 30°.

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Servicing the steering knuckle on a 2012 Chevrolet Captiva involves a systematic approach to ensure safety and proper functionality. Begin by lifting the vehicle safely and securing it on jack stands, ensuring the wheels are off the ground. Remove the front wheels to gain access to the steering knuckle assembly. Next, disconnect any components attached to the steering knuckle, such as the brake caliper, brake rotor, and wheel speed sensor. Carefully remove the tie rod end and lower ball joint from the steering knuckle using appropriate tools and techniques. Once all connections are disconnected, unbolt the steering knuckle from the strut assembly and carefully remove it from the vehicle. Inspect the steering knuckle for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion that may affect its performance.

When installing a new steering knuckle or re-installing the existing one, ensure it is aligned correctly with the strut assembly and other components. Tighten all bolts and connections to the manufacturer's specifications and reassemble the remaining components in reverse order of removal.