The steering knuckle is a key component of the chassis, responsible for connecting the wheel hub to the suspension and steering system. During operation, this part may be subject to deformation, corrosion, or require replacement during repair work. In this material, we will consider how the steering knuckle is dismantled, and provide recommendations for such common models as VAZ 2109, VAZ 2107, and UAZ Patriot (as well as UAZ Bukhanka).

Purpose of the steering knuckle and reasons for its dismantling

The steering knuckle acts as a connecting link between the shock absorber strut, tie rod, ball joints, and the wheel hub. It is through this assembly that force is transmitted from the steering mechanism, allowing the direction of travel to be changed. Removing this element may be necessary in the following situations:
  • when it is necessary to replace the hub bearing;
  • when servicing or repairing ball joints;
  • when replacing tie rod ends;
  • when carrying out a complete restoration of the suspension or after accident situations.

Universal procedure for dismantling the steering knuckle

The procedure for removing this assembly on most vehicles has a similar algorithm. To carry out the work, you will need a jack, a wheel wrench, a set of socket heads, and a special puller for ball joint pins. Sequence of operations:
  1. Preparatory stage.
    The vehicle must be placed on a flat surface, the parking brake activated, and wheel chocks installed. The wheel bolts should be loosened.
  2. Raising the vehicle.
    The required side is lifted using a jack, after which the wheel is removed.
  3. Disconnecting the tie rod end.
    The connection point of the tie rod end to the knuckle is located, after which the pin is carefully pressed out using a puller.
  4. Separating the ball joints.
    The bolts securing the upper and lower ball joints are unscrewed. If the connections are corroded, it is recommended to apply a penetrating lubricant such as WD-40.
  5. Releasing the strut or arm mounts.
    Depending on the design features of the vehicle, the knuckle may be attached to the strut or lower arm. These connections are disconnected.
  6. Removing the hub (if necessary).
    On some models, to extract the knuckle, it will be necessary to first dismantle the hub or brake disc.
  7. Extracting the steering knuckle.
    The part is removed carefully, monitoring the position of the brake hose to avoid tension or damage.

Removing the steering knuckle on a VAZ 2109

On the VAZ 2109, the steering knuckle is connected to a MacPherson strut and the lower arm via a ball joint. Work plan:
  1. The wheel is removed.
  2. The bolt securing the tie rod end is unscrewed.
  3. The two bolts connecting the strut to the knuckle are unscrewed.
  4. The lower ball joint is disconnected.
  5. The brake caliper and disc are removed.
  6. The knuckle is knocked out with light hammer blows through a wooden spacer.
Recommendation: during subsequent assembly, treat the joints with anti-corrosion lubricant, which will facilitate future disassembly.

Removing the steering knuckle on a VAZ 2107

The design of the VAZ 2107 (classic suspension on longitudinal arms) has a difference: the knuckle here is mounted on the upper and lower arms via ball joints. How removal is performed:
  1. The wheel and brake caliper are removed.
  2. The tie rod end is disconnected from the knuckle.
  3. The nuts securing the ball joints are loosened but not fully unscrewed.
  4. Using a puller, the ball joints are separated.
  5. The knuckle is removed, holding it to avoid damaging the protective dust boots.

Removing the steering knuckle on a UAZ Patriot

On the UAZ Patriot, this assembly has a more massive design, due to the presence of all-wheel drive and hinge mechanisms. Sequence of actions:
  1. The front of the vehicle is raised, and the wheel is removed.
  2. The brake caliper and disc are dismantled.
  3. The tie rod is disconnected.
  4. The upper and lower kingpin covers are unscrewed (two on each side).
  5. The steering knuckle is extracted together with the kingpins.
Useful tip: if the knuckle is "seized" to the seat, you can carefully tap the housing with a hammer through a copper drift. Do not strike directly on threaded connections or joints.

Removing the steering knuckle on a UAZ Bukhanka

The procedure largely repeats the actions for the UAZ Patriot, but the design here is somewhat simplified.
  1. The wheel and brake drum are removed.
  2. The tie rod is unscrewed.
  3. The kingpin covers are disconnected.
  4. The knuckle is extracted, holding it with your hand.

Recommendations for installing a new steering knuckle

  • Before installation, all seating surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned.
  • It is recommended to apply lubricant to the joints and bolts.
  • It is necessary to check the condition of the ball joints, tie rod ends, and hub bearings, replacing them if worn.
  • After assembly is completed, the wheel alignment angles (camber/toe) must be adjusted.
Now you are familiar with how to remove a vehicle's steering knuckle, as well as the specifics of this procedure for the VAZ 2109, VAZ 2107, UAZ Patriot, and UAZ Bukhanka models. This operation requires caution and attention, but with the necessary tools and certain skills, it is quite feasible in a garage setting. If the threaded connections have become corroded and the knuckle itself is damaged, it is advisable to contact a specialized service to avoid damage to other suspension components.