2008 Ford Taurus X - Steering Knuckle

What is a Steering Knuckle?

The steering knuckle is part of your vehicle's steering system, and serves as a pivot point that allows the vehicle's wheels to be turned. Depending on your vehicle's suspension system, the steering knuckle may include a spindle that connects to the upper and lower ball joints or may be installed as part of the strut assembly to the lower ball joint. The steering knuckle attaches to the suspension and steering components of your vehicle to transfer the movements of the steering wheel to the front wheels, and also houses a spindle or hub assembly that allows the wheels to rotate. While the steering knuckle itself rarely fails unless damaged in a collision, it can be affected by worn or failing ball joints, wheel or hub bearings, control arm bushings, or tie rods that can fail over time. If one of these components isn't working properly, it can affect the performance of the steering knuckle. If your vehicle is pulling to one side while driving or your tires show excess wear on the inside or outside edges, check your vehicle's alignment and the condition of the steering knuckle and other wheel-end parts. If your steering knuckle has been damaged, O'Reilly Auto Parts carries replacement steering and suspension parts to complete your repair and keep your vehicle driving safely. For more helpful steering and suspension resources, you can also visit our How-to Hub.