Learn About Your Car

Are you interested in certification?

Steering Knuckle Replacement

What is a steering knuckle?

The steering knuckle is a component of the front suspension on a vehicle. The steering knuckle houses the wheel hub and bearing that hold to the wheel, and connects to the upper and lower control arms by way of the ball joints. The steering knuckle is also connected to the steering system (thus its name) by way of the tie rods. These components allow the wheels to spin, turn, and move up and down over bumps.

How does the steering knuckle work?

The steering knuckle houses the wheel hub (the wheel is connected to the hub with the lug nuts or bolts) and wheel bearing. On some vehicles, the hub is bolted to the steering knuckle; on others, it is pressed into the knuckle. Attached at the top and bottom of the steering knuckle, by way of the ball joints, are the control arms that allow the suspension to travel up and down. The steering knuckle is turned by the steering system, and it connects through an arm called a tie rod.

Toyota Steering Knuckle Replacement Cost Estimates

The average cost for a Steering Knuckle Replacement is between $736 and $884 but can vary from car to car.

Toyota RAV4 Steering Knuckle Replacement Cost by Year

The average cost for a Toyota RAV4 Steering Knuckle Replacement is between $736 and $884 but can vary from car to car.

Disclaimer

Materials Included Under License from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. License Agreement TMS1008. All information contained in any materials obtained about Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles is based on the latest product information available at the time of publication, is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, and is intended for service providers and other interested parties in Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America, including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Specifications and procedures are subject to change without notice. This information is provided expressly for the purpose of use by professional automobile technicians who have special techniques and certifications. Repair or service by non-specialized or uncertified technicians using only this information, or without proper equipment or tools, may cause severe injury to the individual or other individuals and could possibly cause damage to the vehicle. Certain procedures or content elements may make reference to Toyota Warranty policy or practice – these policies or practices are only applicable to Toyota, Lexus, or Scion dealers.

More RepairPal Resources

Steering Knuckle Replacement

Jump to:Commonly associated repairs Cost estimates by vehicle Cost estimates by year

What is a steering knuckle?

How does the steering knuckle work?

2005 Toyota RAV4 Steering Knuckle Replacement Cost

The average cost for a 2005 Toyota RAV4 Steering Knuckle Replacement is between $736 and $884.

Labor costs are estimated between $317 and $465 while parts are typically priced around $419.
This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
For a more accurate estimate based on your location, use our Fair Price Estimator below.

What are the symptoms related to a bad steering knuckle?

The steering knuckle itself does not often fail. It is possible for the knuckle to become damaged if the vehicle is in a crash, or if it encounters a large pothole. It is more likely that the components in and around the steering knuckle - ball joints, bearings, control arm bushings, tie rod ends - are worn. If indeed the steering knuckle is damaged, symptoms might include tires that are excessively worn on the inside and outside edges or the vehicle pulls to one side when driving. A damaged steering knuckle might present during a suspension alignment. The threads with which the brake caliper is connected to the steering knuckle may become damaged at some point during brake system service. If the threads are damaged, the knuckle should be replaced.

Can I drive with a steering knuckle problem?

Whether or not a vehicle can be driven with issues related to the steering knuckle is dependent upon the specific component that is worn or failing (see individual components for more information: wheel hub, wheel bearing, control arm, tie rod end). The steering knuckle is not often a problem unless it has been damaged. If the threads to which the brake caliper is attached are damaged and the caliper cannot be secured (during brake service), the vehicle should not be driven until the steering knuckle has been replaced.

How often do steering knuckles need to be replaced?

The steering knuckle should last the lifetime of the vehicle unless it becomes damaged.

How are steering knuckle issues diagnosed?

Each component related to the steering knuckle wheel hub, bearing, ball joint, control arm, tie rod has its own set of symptoms and is diagnosed individually. The steering knuckle itself, when damaged, might show up as uneven wear on the inside or outside edges of the tires. Damage might also present itself during a suspension alignment. More likely are the related symptoms associated with the steering knuckle: “clunking sound” when going over bumps or in turns, “growling” noise from the suspension when driving, excessive play in the front wheels. Each of these symptoms can be diagnosed during a suspension inspection.

How is a steering knuckle replaced?

To replace a steering knuckle, a technician will need to lift and support the vehicle and remove the front wheel and tire. The brake caliper and brake hose will need to be detached from the knuckle and suspended out of the way and the brake rotor will be removed. Any electrical wires connected to the knuckle will need to be disconnected. The technician will detach the tie rod end, as well as the upper and lower control arms, and separate them from the steering knuckle. If the vehicle is front-wheel or four-wheel-drive, the axle shaft (“CV shaft” or “half-shaft”) will also have to be disconnected. The steering knuckle is then dislodged from the control arms and slid off the axle shaft. The wheel hub, bearing, and brake dust shield are removed, as is the wheel speed sensor. The new knuckle is then assembled and installed in the vehicle.

Wheel alignment should be checked and adjusted as necessary after a Steering Knuckle is replaced.

If a steering knuckle is replaced, the associated wheel bearing should be checked and replaced or serviced as necessary.

RepairPal Recommendations for steering knuckle issues

RepairPal recommends checking, and replacing if necessary, the wheel hub and bearing at the same time the steering knuckle is replaced. It is also good practice to inspect the tie rod end, ball joints, and control arm bushings. A four wheel alignment is recommended after the steering knuckle has been replaced.

Get a RepairPal Fair Price Estimate® for your 2005 Toyota RAV4.

Our Fair Price Estimate will help you avoid overpaying based on your car, needed service, and labor rates in your area.