For all models except 2010 and later models with RPO GNB front suspension, the removal process involves loosening the driveaxle/hub nut and wheel lug nuts, raising the front of the vehicle on jackstands, and removing the wheel. The hub and bearing assembly is removed, and the strut-to-knuckle nuts are loosened, followed by the disconnection of the tie-rod end and balljoint from the steering knuckle. The ABS wheel speed sensor electrical connector and ABS wire harness (if applicable) are detached, and the steering knuckle is separated from the strut. During installation, the knuckle is guided into the strut mounting flange, and the driveaxle is inserted along with the hub and bearing assembly. The control arm ball stud is attached to the steering knuckle, and the tie-rod is connected and tightened to torque specifications. The steering knuckle is aligned using the marks on the strut flange, and all nuts and bolts are tightened to their specified torque values. The electrical connector for the ABS wheel speed sensor is installed (if equipped), followed by the installation of the brake disc, caliper mounting bracket, and caliper. The wheel is then installed, the vehicle is lowered, and the lug nuts are tightened to the torque specifications. The driveaxle/hub nut is tightened to its specified torque value, and a front-end alignment check and adjustment are recommended if necessary.For 2010 and later models with RPO GNB front suspension, the removal process involves loosening the driveaxle/hub nut and wheel lug nuts, raising the front of the vehicle on jackstands, and removing the wheel. The front hub and bearing assembly is removed, and the tie-rod end is detached from the steering knuckle. The control arm is removed, and the suspension yoke and steering knuckle are separated from the strut by removing the nut and pinch bolt. The two kingpin bushing nuts are loosened, and a hammer and brass punch are used to drive the kingpin bushing studs inward to release their serrations from the kingpin bushing. The steering knuckle bushing nuts are removed, and the nut from the upper balljoint stud is removed using a balljoint separator to disconnect the steering knuckle from the balljoint. The knuckle is then removed from the suspension yoke. During installation, the steering knuckle kingpin bushing is positioned in the knuckle, and the kingpin is installed with a guide pin to align it. The kingpin is tapped with a hammer to drive it through the bushing until it just starts to enter the knuckle bore, and then it is rotated clockwise until it makes contact with the steering knuckle. A two-jaw puller is used to press the kingpin into the knuckle, ensuring it goes in straight. After the kingpin is seated, the puller and guide pin are removed, and the knuckle kingpin securing screw is installed and tightened to the torque specifications. The steering knuckle is positioned in the suspension yoke, and the balljoint stud is connected to the yoke. The kingpin bushing nuts are tightened incrementally to the torque specifications, and the balljoint nut is tightened to its torque specification. The yoke and steering knuckle assembly is installed back onto the strut, and the remainder of the installation is the reverse of removal.For steering knuckle balljoint replacement on GNB models, the removal process involves removing the steering knuckle and yoke assembly and the nuts and bolts securing the balljoint to the yoke. The ball joint is then separated from the steering knuckle. During installation, the balljoint is placed onto the strut yoke, and the fasteners are installed and tightened to the torque specifications. The remainder of the installation is the reverse of removal, and the wheel lug nuts are tightened to the torque specifications.
Posted by GMPartsGiant Specialist