Don't know if this is the right forum, if not please move.

I got some info from my Service tech, GM offers Alternate Steering Knuckles for Competitive Driving.

Part Numbers
88958710 LH Steering Knuckle
88958711 RH Steering Knuckle

Anyone have any real info on these?

 

hmm whats a steering nuckle...

 

https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/show...eering+knuckle

 

Old news. These are simply a heavy duty version of the OEM part. The knuckle is the part that EVERYTHING else connects to. The strut, the brake, the hub, the tie rod, the control arm, that part.
Moved to suspension.

 

How long would installation take and can any able bodied shop do it with an alignment machine?

 

Pretty quick, maybe 30 minutes per side. And you shouldn't need an alignment afterward unless you wanted those racing specs listed in the TSB. If you have a decent jack you can do it yourself.

 

do the tie rods need to come off etc? If so I thought anytime they were removed an alignment was needed.

 

The tie rods need to come off the knuckle, not the rod. So the rod end adjustment doesn't get changed.

 

What would happen would be this. The tie rod connects to the knuckle via a ball joint, its simply one bolt and a cotter pin. Everything else is easy to take off, only a few bolts. Make sure to mark the bolts on the strut though at the bottom. Those are your bolts for you camber setting. If you do not get these to line up you might need an alignment. It wouldnt be anything to out of wack though.

Speaking of alignments, any vehicle with our steering system after an alignment is performed needs to be recalibrated, so you might want to have your trust GM tech do that.

 

Not true with the Cobalt. The struts and knuckles no longer have the lower adjustable camber bolt. It's a factory set, solid, non-adjustable bolt. No aligning required.

And, what exactly need to be "recalibrated" after an alignment?

 

Subject: Info - Availability of Steering Knuckles for Competitive Driving #06-03-08-001D - (09/27/2006)

Models: 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt
2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada Only)
2007 Pontiac G5
2004-2007 Saturn ION, ION Redline


This bulletin is being revised to add a statement in the Alternate Steering Knuckles section. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 06-03-08-001C (Section 03 - Suspension).
Alternate Steering Knuckles

This is to advise owners who intend to use their vehicles for competitive driving, of the availability of alternate steering knuckles, and to provide recommended alignment specifications for those owners who use their vehicles for competitive driving. These steering knuckles are available through GM service parts and are suggested for use on the Cobalt (Pursuit)/ION Redline. Refer to the Parts Information below for ordering instructions. (This steering knuckle may also be installed and the alignment specifications used, at the customer's discretion, for non-competition purposes.)
Replacement Procedure

Service replacement instructions can be found in SI (Steering Knuckle Replacement).
Alignment Settings

The following alignment settings provide for even tire wear in competitive driving.

Please use the following alignment specifications for competitive driving only:

Camber


Front


-1.5 +/- .75 deg.

Rear


-1.5 +/- .75 deg.

Caster


Front


3.65 +/- .75 deg.

Toe


Front


.20 +/- .5 deg.

Rear


.25 +/- .5 deg.

The original vehicle alignment specifications can be found in SI (Wheel Alignment Specifications).
Parts Information

Part Number


Description

88958710


Knuckle, LH Steering

88958711


Knuckle, RH Steering
Warranty Information

The above modifications are considered to be a customer option and should be performed at the customer's expense.

Prior to using your vehicle for competitive driving, refer to your vehicle warranty book or General Motors dealership for information on the General Motors new vehicle factory warranty, and how competitive driving may effect your warranty.


GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

Š Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

 

cool good find, but what do they do?

 

not break like the stock ones have in competitive driving.

 

so how much are these to get replaced or are they free if your stockers break

 

In auto crossing the steering knuckles broke after several hard runs around the track. These knuckles are used in auto crossing situations to never break. They have been discussed before. Only thing is you can't run stock class anymore if they break. They are considered a modification even though GM should had these installed to begin with.

 

There is a Sticky on this in the Suspension section. you should repost this info in that thread also.

 

so what about on cars that don't really go to the track that often (it says not recommended). if a part is made stronger for track use then why would it not be recommended for street use... do the mean the alignment that's not recommended or is it the part???

 

they are definetaly NOT FREE if you break the stockers, far from a warranty claim, its called abuse of vehicle, and will void your warranty

 

I think I'm going to install these just on the principle of the thing. Steering knuckles that can break during an emergency maneuver aren't any parts I'd trust my life on.

 

I think last time I checked they were 255 a side and labor was maybe 2 hours?

 

They wont break under an emergency manuver, they break with constant beating from auto crossing

 

These can be found at Crateenginedeopt now, $259.95 a piece.

 

This is a repost. However, the stick is in the autocross section. I will combine this thread with others, move it to suspension, and sticky it.

 

So if changing out our knuckles for roughly 650$, then what class of racing would that put us in and how would it affect our chances of winning at all?

I'm sure it wouldnt be too hard of an install though.

 

I'll have to ask some of the SCCA guys about that.

If I get an answer, I'll post up.