What is another name for steering knuckle?

The terms spindle and hub are sometimes used interchangeably with steering knuckle, but refer to different parts. The wheel and tire assembly attach to the hub or spindle of the knuckle where the tire/wheel rotates while being held in a stable plane of motion by the knuckle/suspension assembly.

What is the purpose of steering knuckle?

The steering knuckle is the pivot point of the steering system, which allows the wheels to turn. On cars with conventional suspension systems, the steering knuckle’s spindle locates and supports the inner and outer wheel bearings.

Is alignment needed after wheel bearing replacement?

Anytime the steering/suspension system has been taken apart for whatever reason, its always a good idea to have alignment checked. You shouldn’t have to have an alignment after a bearing/axle.

What’s the symptoms of a bad steering knuckle?

Knuckles can cause many handling problems when damaged. For example, your vehicle could begin to pull to one side, squeal when turning, and/or the steering wheel could shake or fail to return to center when driving straight.

How does a steering knuckle break?

When you impact an obstacle with your wheels turned many things can happen. Depending on which way your wheels are turned and how you impact the obstacle, your tie rods can buckle, or the knuckle can take a beating again.

What is a steering arm?

: an arm for transmitting the turning force from the steering gear to the drag link especially of an automotive vehicle.

What is the transmission ratio of steering mechanism?

In most passenger cars, the ratio is between 12:1 and 20:1. For example, if one complete turn of the steering wheel, 360 degrees, causes the wheels to turn 24 degrees, the ratio is then 360:24 = 15:1.

Whats a pitman arm do?

The Pitman arm is a steering component in an automobile or truck. As a linkage attached to the steering box (see recirculating ball) sector shaft, it converts the angular motion of the sector shaft into the linear motion needed to steer the wheels.

What happens if a pitman arm breaks?

When the pitman arm completely fails, you will lose all steering in your vehicle. The pitman arm should be replaced before the problem gets to this point. As a result, your vehicle may pull to one side of the road or the steering seems difficult to control. …

What are the signs of a bad pitman arm?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Pitman Arm

Poor steering. If you notice your steering has lots of play while you are driving, such as the wheel turns more than it should before the wheels engage, then chances are your pitman arm needs to be looked at.
Wandering to the left or right while on the road.
Inability to steer.

Can a bad pitman arm cause death wobble?

Death wobble is often blamed on a failed steering stabilizer or shocks and struts. Worn tie rods, idler arm, track bar, wheel bearings, pitman arm, steering center link and shaft, ball joints, alignment and even tire pressure can combine to cause the death wobble.

Can the Ford death wobble be fixed?

Lawsuits filed over death wobble issue Ford Motor Company), says the death wobble is caused by a defect linked to abnormal wear or loosening of the track bar bushing, damper bracket, ball joints, control arms, shocks or struts. Ford has not issued a recall or proper fix even though there have been numerous complaints.