[DMAC]

Just finishing off an overhaul of the steering knuckles on my sierra. I'm wondering if you have to apply any lube to the felt and scraper seal prior to asembly? If so what lube is best?

[royce]

nope no lube

[DMAC]

Thanks Royce.

[zooker]

I usually just smear a thin layer of grease over the entire back of the knuckle to help the rubber seal to slide when turning, and also to stop surface rust.

[royce]

and also gives the dirt something to stick to so it can grind away the seal

[Saam]

ive never had rusty balls and i don't lubricate

HA

[Scrawny]

Saam wrote:

ive never had rusty balls and i don't lubricate

HA

Whoa!!! Waaaay too much info Sam!!!

[DMAC]

Did up the seals last night torqued to 96inlb. Boy it made the steering knuckle tight to turn. Hopefully it'll free up a little after some use.
How do you know if the rubber seal seats correctly? I placed it centrally and hoped for the best.

[royce]

if its in properly the 4 plates will all sit flat with no bulging

what preload did you set the kingpin bearings too? that will determine how heavy the steering is as well

[DMAC]

Yep plates sit flat. A small section of felt overlaps the plates on the inside. Kingpin bolts were torqued down with original shims in place. The hubs were fairly easy to rotate at this stage. Sounds like it should be good.

[royce]

kingpin bolt torque plays no part in how 'tight' they are, you are supposed to pull on the steering arm where the tierod end connects with a fish scale and see how much weight is needed to move the knuckle, then shim in and out to suit, reusing the old shim may be close but may be way off too

[Damo]

royce wrote:

kingpin bolt torque plays no part in how 'tight' they are, you are supposed to pull on the steering arm where the tierod end connects with a fish scale and see how much weight is needed to move the knuckle, then shim in and out to suit, reusing the old shim may be close but may be way off too

I might have to borrow your fish scale Royce