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To understand how the steering knuckle operates in the complex mechanism, it is necessary to understand the following. The car front wheels, which are fixed to the front suspension are needed in order to transfer the engine torque, direct vehicle management, and braking. For the first function - torque transfer - the wheels are connected with the transmission by drive shaft. Concerning the steering knuckle, the wheel hub is fixed on it, and it is also a suspension and steering element. As part of the suspension, it is connected to the Macpherson strut and to the lower arm of the front suspension. Apart from that, the braking system components, such as calipers, are fixed on the knuckle.

Concerning its detailed construction, you should know that the front wheel hub is fixed on the knuckle with two tapered roller bearings. Generally, this part has a quite complicated configuration and is made in most cases of aluminum. This part is manufactured of very durable alloys because of the high load, to which it is submitted. If this item is out of order, the best decision is to go to a car repair center and replace it. If you have had experience in replacing of any parts, you can follow these recommendations.

To replace this part you need to remove the wheel hub together with wheel bearing and mud-reflective shield. After that, you need to pull the pin from the outer tie rod end, and loosen the nut. Using the ball joint puller, remove from the steering knuckle the tie rod end, but very gently, without damaging the ball joint boot. The final step before removing the steering knuckle is the removal from it of the wishbone. You can install the steering knuckle following the instructions in reverse order. If you come to our online store, you will enjoy the purchase at advantageous prices of original spare parts, such as steering rods, ball joints or generators.

What you need to know about steering knuckle replacement: lifetime limits, common defects and their signs, tips and recommendations

Service life of the front steering knuckle or the rear stub axle isn’t limited by certain terms. The components are to be replaced in case of stripped thread, wear-out of the hub bearing seat, arm mounting holes, and in case of cracking. The main defect signs of the steering knuckle are wheels free play, car steerability worsening, and increased tyres wear-out.

Necessity to replace the component can be determined only at a service station. For this specialists need to set the car onto a lifting platform, demount a wheel unit, then remove and inspect rear or front steering knuckle.

The left and right steering knuckles of both axles are replaced only at a service station because non-qualified installation of the spare parts enhances risk of emergency situations during driving. The car is set onto the lifting platform and the appropriate wheel is demounted (for example, the right front wheel if the right steering knuckle on the front axle is to be replaced). Then elements of the brake system are disconnected. The nut fastening the drive shaft to the wheel hub is unscrewed, the hub and the protective cover are removed. Then the steering knuckle is disconnected from the lower arm and the tie rod end, the ABS sensor is demounted. After this the defective steering knuckle is removed and a new component is installed.