All About Car Knuckle & Parts
What Are Knuckle & Parts?
A knuckle is that part which contains the wheel hub or spindle and attaches to the suspension and steering components. It is mostly called a steering knuckle spindle, or hub. The wheel assembly is attached to the knuckle at its center point. The knuckle has knuckle bearing fitted in it. The knuckle carries a brake system and front suspension on it. It is even responsible for giving direction to the wheel.
Types Of Knuckle & Parts
Steering knuckles
come in various shapes and sizes to fit all sorts of applications and
suspension types. However, knuckles can be divided into two main types. One
comes with a hub and the other comes with a spindle. The steering knuckle is a
part that contains the wheel hub or spindle and attaches to the suspension and
steering components. Generally, the hub type knuckle is used on the rear-wheel
drive. There are mainly two types of knuckle bearings used. Roller bearing and
ball bearing. Mostly roller bearings are used on hub type of knuckles and ball
bearings are used on spindle type of knuckles.
Important Features Of Knuckle & Parts
The steering
knuckle is the most important part of a suspension area. It has to carry the
load of the wheel axle and wheel. Knuckle is used as a connection point between
the tie rod and the wheel. The knuckle is also used to connect the lower and
upper ball joints. Disk-brake systems are even mounted on the knuckle, as a
brake-caliper mount. The Steering knuckles are typically forged or cast from
steel or iron. Knuckle bearings are made up of high carbon steel.
How Does Knuckle & Parts Works?
Ball-bearing is
fitted in the knuckle by means of a hydraulic press. If the vehicle is
front-wheel drive, the front driveshaft is then inserted in the knuckle
bearing. This driveshaft is then tightened with nuts with high torque. The
brake disc is fitted on the knuckle following with brake caliper. The lower
portion is attached to the knuckle with a lower arm ball joint. The upper
portion of the knuckle is fitted with front suspension also known as a gas stud.
The other side is connected with the steering tie rod end. Wheels are fitted on
the brake disc assembly which is connected to the knuckle. When the vehicle is
in moving condition, the drive shaft rotates the wheels and the knuckle bearing
which is in the knuckle gets its rotation from the driveshaft the tie rods
helps the vehicle to turn right or left.
Frequent Problems With Knuckle & Parts
Usually, knuckles
are made from cast iron because of which they do not have major problems.
Problems could occur only if the vehicle meets with an accident. This may cause
the knuckle to bend or break but problems could occur with its components which
are fitted with it. Problems could be in knuckle bearing as it carries a large
percent of the vehicle load. Knuckle bearing wear occurs if there is no or less
grease. If the knuckle is bend then steering is no longer precise. Another sign
of knuckle problem would be loose or worn out ball joint. The most common
symptoms with knuckles are noise coming of bearing from the wheel or tyre area.
It is not safe to drive a vehicle with knuckle bearing noise. Steering Knuckle
plays a major role in controlling the vehicle it is also linked with other
linkages. The brake caliper is fitted on the knuckle, it can create noise it
there is to wear in its brake pads. Tie rod ends if wear could make noise on
turns. Driveshaft bearing if worn out which is fitted with the knuckle could
make noise.
Tools Needed For Knuckle & Parts
Getting your hands dirty is certainly part of every DIY project but with this guide you can rest assured as all the tools mentioned can be easily found in your local store or if you look carefully you might just find them in your father’s shed:
- Basic Socket Wrench
- Hydraulic Jack
- Knuckle Bearing Pressing Tool
- Knuckle Bearing Removing Tool
Top Brands For Knuckle & Parts
Most of the people have a nature to avoid risk and seek safety. That is the reason why they would go with a familiar auto parts brand than a new one. It would prove to be safe and they know what to expect. Have a look at our top brands for Knuckle & Parts.
Related Parts Of Knuckle & Parts
A front-wheel-drive
knuckle has the following related parts.
- Camber adjustment
cam bolt - This bolt is fitted at
the top side of the knuckle with front gas stud. This bolt is used for camber
alignment.
- Lower Control Arm
and ball joint - it
is fitted at the lower side of the knuckle with the help of a ball joint. It
controls the up and down movement of the knuckle.
- Brake Caliper
assembly - It is fitted on the
brake disc. This part also contains brake pads, which are used in stopping the
vehicle.
- Drive axle
- This is fitted directly
inside the knuckle bearing. It gives power to the wheels.
- Brake disc
- It is fitted on the
knuckle. This is related to brake caliper assembly.
- Tie rod ball joint
- It is fitted on the
knuckle and the other end is connected with the steering rack. This helps in
turning the car on the right or left side.
- Stabilizer rod
- This is fitted on a
lower control arm. It helps in holding the lower arm in its position.
- Bearing
- It is fitted in the
knuckle or on the hub it is known as knuckle bearing assembly.
Total Costs & Repair Times, Effort For Knuckle & Parts
If you are
repairing your steering knuckles, you will be disassembling the entire hub,
knuckle and the tie rod ends. You may want to consider replacing your brake
pads. Cost depends on what you want to change. There are single parts as well
as a repair kit in the market. A repair kit contains knuckle bearing, tie rod
ends, hardware and ball joints depending on the type of the vehicle. Labor will
cost around $180 to $250 for both sides.
This is not a very time-consuming task but has heavier parts to remove. It would
require approximately 3 hours of labor.
How To Change Knuckle & Parts?
Mainly bearing is the major problem in knuckle If your vehicle has a knuckle bearing problem then:
- place your vehicle on flat ground. Loosen all the wheel bolts.
- Jack-up the car.
- Place a stand below the car.
- Remove the wheel and keep it aside.
- Remove the castle nut by removing the quarter pin inserted in it.
- Remove the caliper brake assembly and the disc brake.
- Remove the lower bolt joint by removing the bolt.
- Remove the gas stud and the steering tie rod end.
- Your knuckle bearing assembly would come out immediately by pulling it out from the drive shaft.
- Remove the knuckleball bearing by pressing it from top of the knuckle.
- Apply grease to the new knuckle bearing and fit it in the knuckle.
- Check for proper fitment from all sides, also check other related parts such as ball joints, brake pads, brake disk, tie rod ends any rubber seal if all is perfect then fit all components as removed.
- Change all the hardware with new and fit the wheel by tightening its wheel bolts and you are done with changing knuckle bearing and other damaged parts.
Remember to check the wheel alignment on the
wheel alignment machine.
