Steering Knuckle - General Information
File In Section: 3 - Steering/SuspensionBulletin No.: 63-33-02
Date: December, 1996
INFORMATION
Subject:
Steering Knuckle General Information
Models:
1997 Buick Century, Regal
1997 Chevrolet Venture
1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, Trans Sport
The above listed vehicles are equipped with lightweight aluminum front steering knuckles which require special attention when performing service involving the front lower control arm ball joint and outer tie rod joint attachments to the steering knuckle.
The tapered studs have been coated with an anti-corrosion coating which will allow the tapered studs to be removed from the tapered hole in the steering knuckle much easier than previous similar design attachments.
When reattaching the tapered studs to the knuckle, it is important to follow the service procedure outlined in the respective Service Manuals to avoid potential damage to the aluminum steering knuckle. It is important to follow the specific torque value specified in the appropriate Service Manual. This procedure will properly seat the tapered stud and produce a secure attachment. Over rotation of the nut beyond the specified angle (or number of flats) could potentially damage the aluminum steering knuckle. Although the final nut torque may feel insufficient, this procedure will adequately secure the tapered stud to the knuckle.
Some models are equipped with steering outer tie rod joints which utilize a torque prevailing nut, replacing the traditional free spinning castle nut and coter key design used in previous models. When reassembling this style of attachment, the studs must be kept from rotating while initially tightening the torque prevailing nut until the tapered stud is seated in the knuckle. Once seated, the stud will be retained by the knuckle and the torque prevailing nut can be tightened as prescribed in the Service Manual.