2023-2024 Genesis GV60 Front Knee: A Buyer's Guide to Knuckle, Hub, and Bearing Assemblies

Symptoms of a Failing Front Knee Assembly

Because the front knee is an assembly of several parts, a failure can manifest in different ways. Problems usually originate from a worn wheel bearing or damage to the knuckle itself from an impact like hitting a curb or a deep pothole. Given the newness of the 2023-2024 GV60, failures are more likely to be from road hazard damage than from simple wear and tear.

Noises

• Grinding, Humming, or Roaring: A continuous grinding, humming, or roaring noise that gets louder with vehicle speed is a classic sign of a bad wheel bearing. The noise may change pitch or intensity when turning as the load shifts from one side to the other.
• Clunking or Knocking: A sharp clunk or knock when driving over bumps, potholes, or making sharp turns can indicate a cracked knuckle or worn ball joints connected to the knuckle.
• Clicking or Popping: A clicking or popping sound, especially during tight, low-speed turns like in a parking lot, can point to a failing wheel bearing or a problem with the axle shaft connected to the hub.

Vibrations and Steering Feel

• Steering Wheel Vibration: A damaged or worn wheel bearing can cause vibrations that are felt through the steering wheel. This may be more noticeable at highway speeds.
• Loose or Wandering Steering: If the steering feels vague, sloppy, or requires constant correction to keep the car straight, it could be caused by excessive play from a worn ball joint or a damaged knuckle.
• Pulling to One Side: A bent knuckle will alter the suspension geometry, causing the vehicle to pull to one side. This issue cannot be fixed with a simple wheel alignment.

Visual Signs

• Uneven Tire Wear: A bent or damaged knuckle will throw the wheel alignment out of specification, leading to rapid or uneven wear on the inside or outside edge of a tire.
• Wheel Wobble: In severe cases of wheel bearing failure, you may be able to feel excessive play or wobble in the wheel if you jack the car up and try to move the wheel by hand.

Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls

As of late 2024, there are no widespread issues, Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), or recalls issued by Genesis or the NHTSA that specifically target the front knuckle, wheel bearing, or hub assembly for the 2023-2024 GV60. Most official service campaigns for this vehicle have focused on software updates for various electronic systems or other components.

A notable recall for the 2023 GV60 involved rear driveshafts that could fracture, leading to a loss of power. While this involves the driveline, it is not directly related to the front knee assembly. Always check the NHTSA website for the most current recall information for your specific VIN.

Buying a Used Knee, Front Assembly

For a vehicle as new as the GV60, buying a used OEM knee assembly is a practical and cost-effective alternative to expensive new parts. These used parts almost always come from vehicles taken out of service due to collisions. Therefore, mileage is less of a concern than a thorough inspection for impact damage.

Confirm Compatibility: The Most Important Step

The Genesis GV60 uses different front knee assemblies depending on the vehicle's configuration. You MUST match the part to your vehicle's specifications, or it will not fit or work correctly. There are two key variables:

1. Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models use different knuckles.
2. Brake Size: Models with 18-inch wheels have smaller brakes than models with 19-inch wheels, and this requires a different knuckle to accommodate the brake caliper mounting points.

Here are the known OEM part numbers for the front knuckles:

What to Inspect on a Used Part

• Check for Cracks: Carefully inspect the entire cast metal knuckle for any hairline cracks, especially around the mounting points for the strut, control arms, and ball joint. A cracked knuckle is unsafe and unusable.
• Spin the Hub: A complete used assembly will include the wheel hub and bearing. Try to spin the hub by hand. It should rotate smoothly and silently. Any roughness, grinding, or noise indicates a bad bearing, and you should look for a different unit.
• Examine Mounting Holes: Check that all threaded holes and mounting surfaces are clean and undamaged. Damage from a previous accident can make it impossible to install the part correctly.
• What's Included?: A 'knee' or 'knuckle assembly' from a recycler typically includes the steering knuckle, wheel hub, and bearing. It may or may not include the lower control arm, ball joint, or ABS wheel speed sensor. Clarify with the seller exactly which components are included.

Cost of Replacement

Replacing a front knee assembly can be expensive, primarily due to the high cost of the OEM part. A used OEM assembly offers significant savings.

Replacement Procedure Overview

Replacing the front knee assembly is a job for an experienced DIY mechanic or a professional shop. The basic steps are as follows:

1. Safely lift and support the vehicle and remove the front wheel.
2. Remove the brake caliper and rotor, and hang the caliper securely to avoid damaging the brake hose.
3. Remove the large axle nut in the center of the hub. This requires a large socket and significant force.
4. Disconnect the tie rod end, upper control arm, and lower control arm from the knuckle. A ball joint separator tool is often needed.
5. Disconnect the strut from the knuckle.
6. Remove the old assembly and install the new one by reversing the steps.

Torque Specifications: Finding precise torque specs for the GV60 is difficult without access to the official Genesis service manual. Generic specs are not sufficient. Key fasteners like the axle nut, control arm bolts, and ball joint nuts must be torqued exactly to manufacturer specifications, some of which may require a torque-plus-angle procedure. Failure to use correct torque values can result in component failure or unsafe handling.

A wheel alignment is mandatory after the job is complete. Skipping this step will cause poor handling and rapid tire wear.