Really straight forward here. I won't go into detail about how lucky it was I came across one in great shape (only 30 bucks at that). When it arrives in the mail I'll be spending some time sanding it down and going over with paint.
That said, I was wondering if there was any tips things to look out for before I replace this on my car. I've been looking into this for a while now and even in my factory manual there's no information about replacing the steering knuckle specifically. Sure, I have all the torque specs but if I'm not mistaken I'll be removing the camber bolts, right? I don't want to mess up something like that. Also, on my car, the ball joints are looking pretty cruddy so I'm going to go ahead and replace those too.
Like I said, any helpful information and things to look out for are greatly appreciated.
It's been a long time coming and nearly six months without being able to drive. I can't wait to get back out on the road. I thank you all for being here for the lot of us and I'm looking forward to contributing back to the community and posting about superficial things like fixing my trunk lock.
Yours truly,
~El Don
Steering Knuckle and Ball Joints
Steering Knuckle and Ball Joints
1998 Bonneville SE - Current: My project car "Do ALL THE THINGS"
1992 Bonneville SE - Gone; sold, I loved you. You were my first, my home, and sanctuary.
1992 Bonneville SE - Gone; sold, I loved you. You were my first, my home, and sanctuary.
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95naSTA
- Certified Bonneville Nut
- Posts: 7087
- Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 11:47 pm
- Year and Trim: 95 SLE
- Location: Philadelphia
- Contact:
Re: Steering Knuckle and Ball Joints
There's nothing too bad about replacing the knuckle. The knuckle to strut bolts can get stuck and require a mini sledge or air hammer.
The ball joint is best separated by:
loosening the ball joint nut
clocking the steering to you have a clean shot at the bottom of the knuckle
lightly compressing the suspension and supporting by the rotor
hitting the base of the knuckle with a mini sledge
The ball joint is best separated by:
loosening the ball joint nut
clocking the steering to you have a clean shot at the bottom of the knuckle
lightly compressing the suspension and supporting by the rotor
hitting the base of the knuckle with a mini sledge
95 SLE... a keeper. 241k miles. Low and Slow.
97 BMW 528i
98 Infiniti vq35'd i30: 13.3@104mph, 30MPG Hwy (RIP)
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Info on dropping a 92-99: Here.
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MKMike
- Posts like an L67
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- Joined: Thu May 01, 2014 9:37 pm
- Year and Trim: 1993 SLE
1998 SE
2001 SSEI
2002 SSEI
Re: Steering Knuckle and Ball Joints
You can borrow the tools to release the ball joint for free from some stores, like AutoZone .
Or you can buy a Front End Service Kit that has all the tools, such as OTC 6295.
If you've never replaced a front bearing assembly, you'll need to know that you'll have to borrow or buy a large socket for the axle nut.
You can make a straight line mark on each of the camber bolts and onto the strut, then make sure you reinstall them with the marks aligned.
There's a detailed instructable on ball joint replacement here http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 24819.html
Or you can buy a Front End Service Kit that has all the tools, such as OTC 6295.
If you've never replaced a front bearing assembly, you'll need to know that you'll have to borrow or buy a large socket for the axle nut.
You can make a straight line mark on each of the camber bolts and onto the strut, then make sure you reinstall them with the marks aligned.
There's a detailed instructable on ball joint replacement here http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... 24819.html
Re: Steering Knuckle and Ball Joints
So I finally got the work done today! It was a success but with a minor issue:
I couldn't replace the ball joint because the one I bought is a single piece that replaces both the retainer and joint. My car is a '92 so it looks like they welded the retainer to the control arm using rivets of some kind. I have to take it to a shop where they can use a dremel or something to cut those out or replace the whole control arm. (ugh)
http://imgur.com/iVrVHjN
The new knuckle in.
I also am a bit worried about my engine. It has a slight clicking that I think is engine knock. I damaged the screen that straightens the air a while back, took it out, but didn't replace it. Would that throw off the air/fuel enough to cause this? If it is knock and I get a new screen and it's still there, what do I do to fix it? I know I should start a new thread but I feel bad about doing that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYecpyTzgkY
I couldn't replace the ball joint because the one I bought is a single piece that replaces both the retainer and joint. My car is a '92 so it looks like they welded the retainer to the control arm using rivets of some kind. I have to take it to a shop where they can use a dremel or something to cut those out or replace the whole control arm. (ugh)
http://imgur.com/iVrVHjN
The new knuckle in.
I also am a bit worried about my engine. It has a slight clicking that I think is engine knock. I damaged the screen that straightens the air a while back, took it out, but didn't replace it. Would that throw off the air/fuel enough to cause this? If it is knock and I get a new screen and it's still there, what do I do to fix it? I know I should start a new thread but I feel bad about doing that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYecpyTzgkY
1998 Bonneville SE - Current: My project car "Do ALL THE THINGS"
1992 Bonneville SE - Gone; sold, I loved you. You were my first, my home, and sanctuary.
1992 Bonneville SE - Gone; sold, I loved you. You were my first, my home, and sanctuary.
-
MKMike
- Posts like an L67
- Posts: 1305
- Joined: Thu May 01, 2014 9:37 pm
- Year and Trim: 1993 SLE
1998 SE
2001 SSEI
2002 SSEI
Re: Steering Knuckle and Ball Joints
The ball joint is riveted in on all of the Bonnevilles of the 1990s, which makes it a real pain to replace them.
The MAF screen was designed to optimize air flow for the MAF sensor to be able to read it.
Removal of the screen causes the MAF readings to be off and the ECM/PCM keeps making fuel and timing adjustments to try to compensate for the constantly fluctuating readings.
The MAF screen was designed to optimize air flow for the MAF sensor to be able to read it.
Removal of the screen causes the MAF readings to be off and the ECM/PCM keeps making fuel and timing adjustments to try to compensate for the constantly fluctuating readings.
Re: Steering Knuckle and Ball Joints
Just wanted to tell you all that it finally passed safety inspection and I'm completely road legal! Thank you everyone for your help it's been such a long journey. By no means is it over but I can finally start focusing on less important things like fixing my headliner. XD
1998 Bonneville SE - Current: My project car "Do ALL THE THINGS"
1992 Bonneville SE - Gone; sold, I loved you. You were my first, my home, and sanctuary.
1992 Bonneville SE - Gone; sold, I loved you. You were my first, my home, and sanctuary.
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SSEBonne4evr
- Posts like an LN3
- Posts: 432
- Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2009 10:54 am
- Year and Trim: 99 Bonneville
Re: Steering Knuckle and Ball Joints
Wow never knew these knuckles were replaceable through online orders.
what was wrong with the orig. part? Rotted out?
what was wrong with the orig. part? Rotted out?
90 SSE Bonneville Sold but not forgotten.
