Monte Carlo V6-3.8L VIN K (1998)
Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair
Removal Procedure
Tools Required:
J 35917 Tie Rod Puller/Ball Joint Remover
1. Scribe the strut mount cover.
2. Loosen the three strut mount cover nuts.
3. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
4. Remove the tire and the wheel.
5. Remove the brake caliper and the bracket. Support the caliper.
6. Remove the brake rotor.
7. Remove the hub and bearing to knuckle attaching bolts.
8. Remove the ABS sensor mounting bolt and position the ABS sensor aside in order to prevent damage.
9. Separate and remove the axle from the transaxle.
10. Remove the tie rod to knuckle attaching nut.
NOTICE: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use recommended tools may cause damage
to the ball joint and seal.
11. Use J 35917 in order to separate the tie rod from the knuckle.
12. Remove the lower ball joint to knuckle attaching nut.
13. Use J 35917 in order to separate the ball joint from the lower control arm.
14. Remove the ball joint heat shield retaining bolts and the heat shield.
15. Remove the three strut mount cover nuts.
16. Remove the knuckle/strut.
Installation Procedure
1. Install the strut mount cover and the upper strut mount to body attaching nuts. Do not tighten the strut mount cover nuts at this time. Tighten the
nuts after lowering the vehicle to the floor.
NOTICE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be correct part number for that application. Fasteners
requiring replacement of fasteners requiring thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints,
lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping
force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to
parts and system.
2. Install the ball joint heat shield and the attaching bolts/screws.
Tighten
-
Tighten the ball joint heat shield retaining bolts/screws to 7 N.m (62 inch lbs.).
Important:
-
Tighten in order to align the next slot in the nut with the cotter pin hole in the stud.
-
DO NOT tighten more than 60 degrees (1 flat) in order to align with the hole.
-
DO NOT loosen the nut at any time during installation.
3. Install the lower ball joint to control arm attaching nut.
Tighten
-
Tighten the ball joint nut to 85 N.m (63 ft. lbs.).
4. Install a new cotter pin.
Important:
-
Tighten in order to align the next slot in the nut with the cotter pin hole in the stud.
-
DO NOT tighten more than 60 degrees (1 flat) in order to align with the hole.
-
DO NOT loosen the nut at any time during installation.
5. Install the tie rod to knuckle attaching nut.
Tighten
-
Tighten the tie rod nut to 85 N.m (63 ft. lbs.).
6. Install a new cotter pin.
