Front strut mounting bracket

[natedawg1604]

Hi there,

Well, this is my first post (long time reader). So, my 96 Saturn SL2 didn't like going fast around curves and the front right suspension needs to be replaced (basically everything). Of course, I blame it all on the curb:

In any event, the mounting bracket attached to the front right strut and inner tie rod is cracked, and will need to be replaced. Is my best best a junkyard? I can't even figure out what this part is called, to see if it's even available at a auto parts shop. Can someone help me verify exactly what this part is called and, if possible, a part number? I can't find it on Gmpartsdirect.com, but I may not be searching for the correct term. Any help would be much appreciated...

[natedawg1604]

UPDATE: I have also attached some photos of the mounting bracket I'm referring to.

[Waiex191]

That is a steering knuckle. Driveshaft looks bad too. You may want to replace the control arm as well. It is either bent, or since you have to do an alignment anyway this is a great time to replace them.
I'd get the knuckle at the junkyard, other parts I'd buy new.

[natedawg1604]

Originally Posted by Waiex191

That is a steering knuckle. Driveshaft looks bad too. You may want to replace the control arm as well. It is either bent, or since you have to do an alignment anyway this is a great time to replace them.
I'd get the knuckle at the junkyard, other parts I'd buy new.

Thanks! A few minutes after I made this post I realized it was the steering knuckle. And yeah, I'm replacing the strut, sway bar, control arm, CV axle and inner & outer tie rods.

[natedawg1604]

Wow, it looks like I can't buy a steering knuckle anywhere new, I guess I'll have to use a junkyard.

[TomM96]

> " I can't buy a steering knuckle anywhere new "

Yah!
Car mfgrs generally provide replacements for consumable aspects of their retail creations.
Steering knuckles are 'FORGED', one of the strongest methods of fabricating metallic articles. They are never expected to fail.
Traditionally, steering tie rods were made of soft material, but these are now stiff, which is tough on the knuckles.

A junkyard replacement should be fine.

[Highmile]

You need to really take a good look at the subframe before you put a lot of work into this. The subframe mount to the lower control arms can be bent and if they are it will require a replacement sub frame as well.

Tie rods on the impact side make sense as well. The other side is your call, I think you could argue either way. FYI... my inner tie rods are factory original.

I'm guessing a new wheel and tire is in the plan as well.

Highmile
'95 SL1 666k and counting

[natedawg1604]

Originally Posted by Highmile

You need to really take a good look at the subframe before you put a lot of work into this. The subframe mount to the lower control arms can be bent and if they are it will require a replacement sub frame as well.
....

Highmile
'95 SL1 666k and counting

Wow, that is a very good point. Attached are the photos from the damaged side. I'm guessing this will cause major alignment issues if I don't replace the subframe?

[TomM96]

ROFL...

NateDawg, you did real nice job!

Yes, a new subframe will be required. The open slit would accept water; the spacial derangement would affect at least the alignment.

It's an opportune time to upgrade the cradle-
>shop with care for low rust
>coat with POR or favored paint

[natedawg1604]

Originally Posted by TomM96

ROFL...

NateDawg, you did real nice job!

Yes, a new subframe will be required. The open slit would accept water; the spacial derangement would affect at least the alignment.

It's an opportune time to upgrade the cradle-
>shop with care for low rust
>coat with POR or favored paint

Thanks for the "compliment", lol. Yesterday I pulled a subframe from a junk yard (that was fun). At this point, I just need to figure out how to remove 2 broken studs from the exhaust manifold. I don't have a torch, so I'm hoping I can drill them out somehow.