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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Technical Discussion - Beginner / Repair => Topic started by: segermech on April 26, 2011, 01:31:18 PM

Title: Steering Knuckle Rebuild
Post by: segermech on April 26, 2011, 01:31:18 PM

It seems my steering knuckle is a little loose.  I don't see how replacing seals will fix this problem, it's not leaking any fluid.  Could it be the wheel bearings?  or something else??

Thanks.

Title: Re: Steering Knuckle Rebuild
Post by: fordem on April 26, 2011, 01:48:35 PM

Define steering knuckle loose - as a matter of fact - how about starting with what vehicle we're discussing - Suzuki Samurai/SideKick/Vitara/Grand Vitara - they all have steering "knuckles" - and they can be loose in different places for different reasons - ball joints, kingpin bearings, and yes if the wheel is moving relative to the king-pin, then wheel bearings is a possibility.

Title: Re: Steering Knuckle Rebuild
Post by: segermech on April 27, 2011, 08:02:01 AM

Sorry I always forget....It's a 94 samurai.  It's loose rigt at the kingpins.  Are there bearing in there.

Title: Re: Steering Knuckle Rebuild
Post by: Skyhiranger on April 27, 2011, 08:09:41 AM

Quote from: segermech on April 27, 2011, 08:02:01 AM

Sorry I always forget....It's a 94 samurai.  It's loose rigt at the kingpins.  Are there bearing in there.

Yes, the kingpins have bearings.  If they are loose, then they need replaced.

Title: Re: Steering Knuckle Rebuild
Post by: backwoods on April 27, 2011, 05:33:50 PM

Here is a newb experience on my '88 Zuk. Did mine over the winter. Noticed a "shimmy" at certain speeds and read somewhere that the seals in the knuckle give the steering a dampening effect. My kingpin/knuckle bearings were loose and had the LH axle seal leaking. I ordered the bearing/seal kit from low range offroad and it made a lot of difference. The worst part was getting all of the pieces of the knuckle seal installed. I had walk away from it a couple of times but eventually got them on.