[jaybow]

I am a novice mechanic and I have been told that I need to replace the steering knuckle on my truck to pass inspection. When I search on the internet for one, most of them are like $500 or more, but the quote I got was only for $175. So I'm thinking that the part in question isn't really the steering knuckle.

I plopped under the truck (not really knowing what I'm looking for) and I find this rubber bushing type thing that has a zerk fitting for lubing. It's between two of the steering rods and it's busted and broken up. I'm thinking this is what the mechanic wants to replace.

I'm not real good on the names of parts. Does anyone have pictures with the parts breakdown on them for the steering components? I have a lot of play in the steering wheel and don't mind replacing worn out parts. I'm going to be using this truck as my daily driver and want to restore it in a sense, so I have some money to do a lot of repairs/upgrades if needed.

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Otis B. Driftwood]

Probably need to replace the tie rod ends. Not too hard to do. Just order up four new ones from rockauto.com. To get the old ones off take the castle nut off and hit the knuckle with a hammer a few times and it will usually fall right out. If not get a pickle fork and pound that in and then hit the knuckle and it will fall right out. If not that means you live in a place with road salt and you then have to get creative or sell the truck.

 

[arthurgoboom]

I'm not sure, but doesn't the "knuckle" usually refer to the bearings that allow the front tires to steer back and forth? It would be the equivalent to the kingpin bushings for us 2wd guys.

In addition to that, tie rod ends, the joint in the middle of the tie rod that connects to the pitman arm, the rag joint on the shaft going into the steering box, and the steering box itself are all likely culprits for steering slop.

 

[cdnsarguy]

Check out this site..... find what you need.

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