Knuckle/Spindle - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear knuckle/spindle assembly on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 5.3L V8 engine, including disconnecting suspension components and hub assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear knuckle/spindle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint cotter pin × 1 — Standard cotter pin
• Brake caliper mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper
   Remove the two brake caliper mounting bolts. Support the brake caliper with wire or a bungee cord to prevent strain on the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake line.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor
   Remove the brake rotor from the hub assembly. If rotor is stuck, use penetrating oil and light taps with a hammer on the rotor face (not braking surface) to break it free. Remove any retaining clips if present.
3. 3

   Disconnect wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector near the knuckle. Press the release tab and disconnect the electrical connector. Remove the sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the knuckle to prevent damage.
4. 4

   Remove hub and bearing assembly
   Remove the four bolts securing the hub and bearing assembly to the rear knuckle (accessible from the back side of the knuckle). Remove the hub and bearing assembly. Note the orientation of the assembly for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the lower control arm or knuckle. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft while loosening the nut. Remove the sway bar link from the knuckle or control arm.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect upper ball joint
   Remove the cotter pin from the upper ball joint castle nut. Loosen but do not remove the ball joint nut. Using a ball joint separator or pickle fork, break the taper connection between the ball joint stud and knuckle. Remove the nut and separate the upper ball joint from the knuckle.
   ⚠Keep the ball joint nut threaded on a few turns while using the separator to prevent sudden separation and component damage.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect lower ball joint or control arm
   Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint castle nut. Loosen but do not remove the ball joint nut. Use a ball joint separator to break the taper connection. Remove the nut and separate the lower ball joint from the knuckle. The knuckle should now be free from the suspension.
   ⚠Support the knuckle assembly as you remove the final connection to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove knuckle assembly
   With all connections separated, remove the rear knuckle/spindle assembly from the vehicle. Inspect the knuckle mounting surfaces and ball joint tapers for damage or debris.
9. 9

   Prepare new knuckle
   Clean the ball joint taper holes in the new knuckle with a wire brush. Apply a light coat of anti-seize to hub mounting surface (not the ball joint tapers). Verify that the new knuckle matches the old one in all mounting points and features.
10. 10

    Install new knuckle to ball joints
    Position the new knuckle onto the lower ball joint stud first, then align the upper ball joint stud. Install both ball joint nuts finger-tight initially. Tighten both ball joint nuts to specification and install new cotter pins. Bend cotter pin ends to secure.
    ℹ️If the castle nut slots do not align with the cotter pin hole at specified torque, tighten further (do not loosen) until the next slot aligns.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall hub and bearing assembly
    Position the hub and bearing assembly onto the knuckle in the correct orientation. Install the four mounting bolts and tighten evenly in a crisscross pattern to ensure proper seating before final torque.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel speed sensor
    Clean the sensor bore in the knuckle if necessary. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the sensor body (not the magnetic tip). Insert the wheel speed sensor and tighten the mounting bolt. Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Connect the sway bar link to the knuckle or lower control arm. Install the nut and hold the shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Install the brake rotor onto the hub. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and install the caliper mounting bolts. Torque the mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (suspension loaded but vehicle still supported). Torque the wheel 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. Ensure all cotter pins are properly installed and bent to prevent backing out
2. Verify brake caliper is securely mounted and brake hose has no kinks or tension
3. Double-check all torque specifications have been met
4. Pump brake pedal several times to ensure proper brake operation before moving vehicle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no abnormal noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper brake function and absence of pulling or vibration
• Perform alignment check as suspension geometry has been disturbed; alignment is strongly recommended
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Visually inspect for any fluid leaks around brake components

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