That growing shudder in your steering wheel and the grinding sound when you turn — you’re not imagining it. Your steering knuckle might be to blame.
This vital component keeps your steering system functioning smoothly, and when it wears out or fails, it can seriously impact your car’s performance.
So, what’s it going to cost to fix?
We’ll break down the steering knuckle replacement cost, pricing factors, and the repair process. We’ll also share some handy maintenance tips to help keep your steering system in great shape.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Steering Knuckle Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing a Steering Knuckle?
- 7 Red Flags You Need a Steering Knuckle Replacement
- How Long Does a Steering Knuckle Last?
- 3 FAQs About Steering Knuckles
How Much Does a Steering Knuckle Replacement Cost?
Keep these costs in mind when you plan to get a new steering knuckle:
A. Range
The average cost of replacing a steering knuckle is between $670 and $850.
This includes:
- Parts cost: $500 to $600
- Labor cost: $170 to $250
B. Factors Affecting Cost
The following factors can affect the total bill:
- Vehicle type: Some cars have steering knuckles that are more affordable to replace, while others, especially for luxury models, can be more expensive.
- Type of suspension system: Vehicles with a strut suspension are generally easier to work on (fewer internal components need to be disconnected to access the steering knuckle, lowering labor cost). On the other hand, if your car has a wishbone suspension, the job becomes more complex and time-consuming, leading to higher labor charges.
- Number of steering knuckles: Most vehicles have two steering knuckles in the front suspension. If both need to be replaced, the expenses will double.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vs aftermarket parts: OEM parts are pricier since they’re made specifically for your vehicle and offer better durability. Aftermarket parts are cheaper but vary in quality.
- Related repairs: When replacing a steering knuckle, a mechanic may also recommend replacing other steering components, such as ball joint, control arm, tie rod, or wheel bearing, which will incur additional costs. For example, replacing the wheel bearings may cost between $100 to $760.
Is It Worth Replacing a Steering Knuckle?
Yes, definitely.
A bad steering knuckle can throw off your wheel alignment, causing uneven tire wear and poor handling. It also puts extra stress on the ball joints, which could break suddenly. If a ball joint fails, steering becomes extremely difficult, and you could lose control of the vehicle.
That’s why, if you suspect a failing steering knuckle, it’s important to inspect and replace it as soon as possible.
7 Red Flags You Need a Steering Knuckle Replacement
The following symptoms may indicate that your steering knuckle is on its last legs:
- If your steering wheel moves or drifts without any input, it could mean the steering knuckle isn’t keeping it aligned.
- Uneven wear on your tires points to problems with the front suspension system or a faulty steering knuckle.
- A bad steering knuckle can cause squealing when you turn the wheel, as it struggles to work smoothly with other steering components.
- A damaged steering knuckle can cause the steering wheel to shake.
- Noticeable rust or corrosion on the steering knuckle (on inspection) can mean it’s time for a replacement.
- Cracks, bends, or other visible damage to the steering knuckle after an impact are signs that it may need replacement.
- If your wheel bearing is stuck and refusing to come out, even with the right tools, it may be due to damage or wear in the steering knuckle.
How Long Does a Steering Knuckle Last?
A steering knuckle is built to last the life of your vehicle, often well over 100,000 miles.
However, it can fail sooner due to rust induced by moisture and road salt, seized wheel hubs caused by corrosion, or impact damage from collisions.
3 FAQs About Steering Knuckles
Let’s have a look at some commonly asked questions about steering knuckles and their answers:
1. What Is a Steering Knuckle and How Does it Work?
The steering knuckle is an integral part of your car’s suspension and steering system. It connects the wheel hub (which holds the tire) to the rest of the suspension. Depending on the type of suspension your car has, it also links to the ball joints and the strut or control arms.
When you turn the steering wheel, the tie rod pushes or pulls on the steering knuckle, allowing the front wheels to pivot left or right.
In addition to steering, the knuckle houses the wheel bearings and helps keep the wheel securely aligned as the vehicle moves.
2. Can You Replace a Steering Knuckle Yourself?
It isn’t recommended to try and fix a steering knuckle yourself. Replacing one requires special expertise, and doing it wrong could cause more damage or safety problems.
If you still wish to know, here’s how an auto repair expert will do it:
- Secure the car using jack stands to ensure it’s stable enough for the repair.
- Remove the front wheel and tire to access the steering knuckle.
- Detach the brake caliper and hose. Then, set them out of the way to avoid damage.
- Take off the brake rotor for easier access to the knuckle.
- Disconnect any electrical wires attached to the steering knuckle.
- Remove the upper and lower control arms and tie rod from the knuckle.
- Disconnect the axle shaft if it’s a front-wheel or four-wheel-drive vehicle.
- Carefully remove the knuckle from the control arms and slide it off the axle shaft.
- Remove the wheel hub, bearing, brake dust shield, and wheel speed sensor.
- Install the new steering knuckle.
- Reinstall all the removed parts in reverse order, making sure each component is properly torqued and secured.
- Take the car for a test drive to ensure the steering knuckle is functioning properly.
3. How Can You Extend the Life of Your Steering Knuckle?
Here are some maintenance tips to keep your steering knuckle in top condition:
- Get your steering knuckles checked during regular maintenance, especially if you often drive on rough or uneven roads.
- Perform regular alignment checks to reduce stress on the steering knuckles and keep them in good shape.
- Choose high-quality replacement parts that last longer and perform better under different driving conditions.
Steering Knuckle Replacement Made Easy with AutoNation Mobile Service
A worn or damaged steering knuckle is no minor issue — it is critical to keeping your steering and suspension systems securely connected. Ignoring it could lead to serious safety risks and costly damage.
So, where do you turn?
With AutoNation Mobile Service, you don’t have to risk driving to an auto repair shop under unsafe conditions. Our certified technicians come to you so that you can get expert repairs right from your driveway.
We’re available seven days a week, offer upfront pricing, and can handle everything from steering knuckle replacements to other essential car repairs. We even back our service with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty.
Don’t wait — get in touch today to schedule your service.