How to Lubricate Land Cruiser Steering Knuckles

Improperly lubricated knuckles often result in play in a steering assembly.

Connecting the wheel assembly to the suspension, steering knuckles hold the wheel in a stable plane while simultaneously permitting it to rotate. Subjected to constant force while in motion, steering knuckles will suffer damage if not kept properly lubricatedm resulting in mechanical failure with possible catastrophic consequences. Lubricating Land Cruiser steering knuckles takes only a few minutes and will save an expensive repair, and possibly an accident.

Things You'll Need

• Grease gun
• Wrench

Instructions

1. Locate the steering knuckle at the end the end of the suspension assembly. Depending on model year, the knuckle will have a grease-zerk fitting -- a needle-like fitting resembling a nipple -- protruding from the knuckle or a threaded grease plug at the top of the knuckle.

2. Snap the fitting on the end of the grease gun over the grease-zerk fitting on the knuckle. Work the handle or trigger of the grease gun until grease starts to seep out from around the edges of the knuckle. Retract the shroud of the grease gun fitting with your fingers and pull the grease gun off the knuckle.

3. Remove the threaded plug at the top of the steering knuckle with a wrench. Insert the nozzle of the grease gun into the hole and fill the knuckle with grease, until grease starts to come back out the hole. Reinstall the plug with the wrench.

References

• Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems; Thomas Birch

Resources

• Reluctant Mechanic: How to Use a Grease Gun