This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front steering knuckle/spindle assembly on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine, including disconnection of brake components, wheel hub, and suspension connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front steering knuckle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for ball joint × 1 — Standard 1/8 inch
• Wheel hub bearing assembly × 1 — Often replaced with knuckle - Use OEM specification
• Brake caliper mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — M12 grade 10.9

Fluids

• ACDelco DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
4. Remove wheel and tire assembly
5. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow 15 minutes to soak
6. Place drain pan under brake caliper area to catch any fluid spillage

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Use a C-clamp to compress the brake caliper piston slightly to relieve pressure. Remove the two caliper mounting bolts from the back of the caliper bracket. Lift caliper off rotor and support it with wire or a caliper hanger - do NOT let it hang by the brake hose. Remove the caliper bracket bolts and remove the bracket. Slide the brake rotor off the hub.
2. 2

   Disconnect wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector on the back of the knuckle or upper control arm area. Press the connector tab and separate the connector. Remove the sensor mounting bolt and carefully pull the sensor from the knuckle. Inspect the sensor tip for damage or debris.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove tie rod end from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end castle nut using a punch. Remove the tie rod end castle nut. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle arm. Be careful not to damage the tie rod end boot if reusing components.
   ⚠Ball joint separator will be under spring tension. Control the tool to prevent sudden release.
4. 4

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the lower control arm. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning. Remove the sway bar link nut from the lower control arm connection. If the link is seized or damaged, it may need to be cut or replaced.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle. Support the knuckle with one hand or a jack. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts. The knuckle will now be loose at the top and can pivot on the ball joints.
   ⚠Support the knuckle to prevent it from dropping when the last bolt is removed.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts144 Nm (106 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Separate upper ball joint
   Remove the cotter pin from the upper ball joint castle nut. Remove the upper ball joint nut. Use a ball joint separator to separate the upper ball joint from the knuckle. Apply pressure with the separator while tapping the knuckle boss with a hammer to help release the taper.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Separate lower ball joint and remove knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint castle nut. Remove the lower ball joint nut. Use a ball joint separator to separate the lower ball joint from the knuckle. Once separated, carefully maneuver the knuckle assembly away from the vehicle. If the hub bearing is staying with the knuckle, be careful not to damage the ABS reluctor ring.
   ℹ️The knuckle assembly with hub can be heavy and awkward to handle. Get assistance if needed.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Transfer hub bearing if necessary
   If the wheel hub bearing is being reused, inspect it for wear, roughness, or noise. Remove the hub mounting bolts from the back of the old knuckle and press or tap the hub out. Clean the hub bore in the new knuckle with a wire brush. Install the hub bearing into the new knuckle and secure with hub mounting bolts. If replacing the hub bearing, install the new assembly into the new knuckle.
9. 9

   Install knuckle to ball joints
   Position the new knuckle onto the lower ball joint stud first, then align with the upper ball joint stud. Install both ball joint nuts and tighten to specification. Install NEW cotter pins through the castle nuts, bending the pins to secure. Ensure the cotter pins are properly seated and spread.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Align the knuckle with the strut bracket. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts and tighten to specification. Ensure the alignment cam markings (if equipped) are noted for approximate alignment settings.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts144 Nm (106 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link to the lower control arm connection point. Install the sway bar link nut. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect tie rod end
    Insert the tie rod end stud into the knuckle steering arm. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin and bend to secure. Verify the tie rod end boot is not damaged and is properly seated.
13. 13

    Install wheel speed sensor
    Clean the sensor bore in the knuckle with a wire brush. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the sensor body (not the tip). Insert the wheel speed sensor into the knuckle and install the mounting bolt to specification. Reconnect the sensor electrical connector ensuring it clicks into place.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall brake components
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub. Install the caliper bracket and torque the bracket bolts to specification. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and bracket. Install the caliper mounting bolts and torque to specification. Pump the brake pedal several times to reseat the caliper piston.
15. 15

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and tire assembly. Start all lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are tightened to proper torque specifications
2. Check that all cotter pins are installed and properly secured
3. Ensure wheel speed sensor connector is fully seated and secured
4. Verify brake caliper slides freely and brake pedal is firm before moving vehicle

Verification

• Pump brake pedal until firm and check brake fluid level - top off with DOT 4 if needed
• Bleed brake system at the affected wheel if brake line was opened or air entered system
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area to verify proper brake operation and no unusual noises
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment immediately - suspension geometry has been altered
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all suspension fasteners and lug nuts to specification
• Verify no fluid leaks around brake components after test drive

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