Front End Steering Rebuild Kits
Package kits bundle the wearing front end parts for this truck in one order, usually for less than buying them one by one.
This interactive diagram shows the front suspension, steering linkage, driveline and rear suspension of the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x4. Hover over or tap any part to see what it does, the signs that it is worn, and the replacement parts we carry that fit your truck, down to the side and position.
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The 1999 to 2007 Classic Silverado 1500 4WD uses independent front suspension with forged upper and lower control arms. Torsion bars do the job of front coil springs, running from the rear of the lower arms back to keys in a crossmember under the cab. CV axles drive the front wheels from a frame mounted differential. One straight center link joins the pitman arm and the idler arm, with inner and outer tie rods at each end. The rear is a solid axle on leaf springs, with staggered shocks that reach up to two frame crossmembers.
We carry replacement parts for 46 of the 52 components on this diagram, 244 parts in all. See every part for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD.
Package kits bundle the wearing front end parts for this truck in one order, usually for less than buying them one by one.
Front and rear shock sets for the whole truck.
One kit with the suspension bushings for the whole truck.
An add-on rear sway bar that clamps to the axle and bolts to new frame brackets, to reduce body roll when towing or loaded.
All the U-joints for the driveline in one order. Packages differ by cab and by Quadrasteer, so check the title.
Hanger, shackle and key sets that change ride height at both ends of the truck.
The upper ball joint is the top pivot between the upper control arm and the steering knuckle. It lets the knuckle turn and move with the suspension.
Signs of wear: Clunking over bumps, wandering steering, uneven tire wear, or play when the wheel is rocked top to bottom.
Tip: The joint is pressed into the arm, with its stud pointing down into the knuckle. Many owners replace the whole arm with a new joint already fitted.
See all Front Upper Ball Joint parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The lower ball joint is pressed into the lower control arm, with its stud pointing down into the knuckle and the nut underneath. It carries the weight of the front of the truck.
Signs of wear: Clunks over bumps, a loose feel in the front end, or play when the wheel is rocked top to bottom with the truck on a jack.
Tip: Support the lower arm before separating the joint, because the torsion bar is still loading it. Get an alignment afterward.
See all Front Lower Ball Joint parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
A forged, forked arm that holds the top of the knuckle. Its two inner bushings pivot on cam bolts at the frame, and the ball joint is at the outer end.
Signs of wear: Clunks, torn inner bushings, a worn ball joint, or an alignment that will not hold.
Tip: An assembly with new bushings and a new ball joint saves pressing each one.
See all Front Control Arm parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The large forged arm that carries the load. The torsion bar twists against its rear pivot, the shock bolts to its rear leg, and the sway bar link passes through it.
Signs of wear: Clunks over bumps, torn bushings, a loose ball joint, or uneven tire wear.
Tip: Left and right lower arms are different parts. Unload the torsion bar before removing one.
See all Front Control Arm parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
Rubber bushings pressed into the inner ends of the upper arm. They let the arm pivot on its bolts without metal to metal contact.
Signs of wear: Clunks on braking or over bumps, visible cracks in the rubber, or caster and camber that drift out of spec.
See all Front Control Arm Bushings parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
Two different bushings in the lower arm, a forward one and a larger rearward one. They locate the arm and take braking and bump loads.
Signs of wear: Clunks when braking or turning, wandering, or torn rubber at the arm pivots.
Tip: The forward and rearward bushings are not the same size. Check which one you need.
See all Front Control Arm Bushings parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The upper control arms mount on cam bolts and plates. Turning them moves the arm to set caster and camber.
Signs of wear: An alignment shop cannot reach spec, or the truck pulls after front end work or a lift.
Tip: Adjustable kits add range for leveled trucks.
See all Front End Alignment Kit parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The casting that joins the upper and lower ball joints, holds the hub and takes the tie rod on its steering arm.
Signs of wear: Rarely wears out. Replace it after accident damage, or if a tapered ball joint hole is worn.
A round rubber bumper on a frame bracket. The flat paddle on the rear leg of the lower control arm lands on it at full compression.
Signs of wear: A harsh bang when the suspension bottoms out, or a cracked or missing bumper.
See all Front Bump Stops parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The front shock runs from the lower control arm up through the upper arm to a frame bracket. A fork at its lower end straddles the arm on a small bushing.
Signs of wear: Bouncing after bumps, nose dive on braking, leaking fluid, or cupped tires.
Tip: Replace in pairs, and check the small bushing in the arm while you are there. A leveling kit may call for a longer shock.
See all Front Shock Absorber parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
A small rubber bushing pressed through the rear leg of the lower control arm. The fork at the bottom of the front shock bolts through it.
Signs of wear: A knock from the front over small bumps, or a shock that moves on its bolt.
Tip: It stays in the arm when you change the shock, so check it then.
See all Front Shock Bushings parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The torsion bar is the front spring on this truck. It runs from the rear of the lower control arm back to a key in a crossmember under the cab, and it twists as the suspension moves.
Signs of wear: Front ride height that sags and cannot be corrected at the adjuster.
Tip: Each bar is stored under heavy load. Unload it with the right tool before touching the key or the lower arm.
The key holds the rear end of the torsion bar in the crossmember. A bolt under it sets the front ride height, and leveling keys raise the front further.
Signs of wear: Front end sits low or uneven, the adjuster bolt is seized or at the end of its travel.
Tip: Use a torsion bar load tool to take the pressure off the key. Get an alignment after changing ride height.
See all Torsion Bar Key Lift Kit parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
A steel bar across the front of the truck, ahead of the steering, that links the two lower arms to reduce body roll.
Signs of wear: Extra body roll, or a bar that is bent or loose.
See all Front Sway Bar parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
Two rubber or polyurethane bushings clamp the sway bar to the frame.
Signs of wear: Clunks or squeaks over bumps, or a bar that shifts side to side.
Tip: Bar size varies by truck. A 1-1/8 inch bar is the most common on 4WD trucks, and 1-5/16 inch also appears from 2004. Measure yours.
See all Front Sway Bar Bushings parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
A long bolt, spacer sleeve and stack of bushings that connects the end of the sway bar to the lower control arm.
Signs of wear: Rattles over small bumps, torn bushings, or a broken bolt.
Tip: Replace both sides together.
See all Front Sway Bar Endlinks parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The outer tie rod end connects the tie rod to the steering arm on the knuckle, with its stud pointing down. It threads straight onto the inner tie rod, with no adjusting sleeve.
Signs of wear: Loose steering, tire wear on the inner or outer edge, or play when the wheel is shaken side to side.
Tip: Count the threads when you remove it, then get an alignment. Replace in pairs. Rack steering parts are for 2WD trucks and do not fit here.
See all Front Outer Tie Rod End parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The inner tie rod threads into the end of the center link and carries steering movement out toward the wheel.
Signs of wear: Clunks or looseness in the steering, or wandering at highway speed.
Tip: Rack steering inner rods are for 2WD trucks and do not fit here.
See all Front Inner Tie Rod End parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
One straight link across the truck. The pitman arm moves it side to side, the idler arm holds up the other end, and the tie rods run from each end. Most of these trucks use a 28.75 inch link with two tapered holes.
Signs of wear: Loose steering, wandering, or play at the studs.
Tip: Crew cab pickups from 2004 list a longer 30.5 inch link with a hole for a steering damper. A worn idler arm wears the center link faster, so check them together.
See all Tie Rod Center Link parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The pitman arm turns the steering gear output into side to side movement of the center link.
Signs of wear: Loose steering, or play at the stud when someone turns the wheel.
Tip: These trucks use different spline patterns. Check the groove count on your gear, 3 or 4, before ordering.
See all Pitman Arm parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The idler arm mirrors the pitman arm on the passenger side and holds up that end of the center link. This is a well known wear item on these trucks.
Signs of wear: Loose or wandering steering, play when you lift the center link by hand, or a clunk when turning.
Tip: Upgraded greaseable idlers and brackets are available. Keep it greased.
See all Idler Arm parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The bracket that bolts the idler arm to the passenger frame rail, with a grease hose that reaches the arm from the wheel well.
Signs of wear: A worn or wobbling idler pivot, or a loose stud at the frame.
See all Idler Arm Bracket parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The power steering gear on the driver side frame rail. It turns the steering shaft into the swing of the pitman arm.
Signs of wear: Free play in the wheel, or a power steering leak.
On a Quadrasteer truck the rear wheels steer. The rear outer tie rod end joins the rear tie rod to the steering arm on each rear knuckle.
Not on every truck: Trucks with Quadrasteer rear wheel steering (GM option NYS), offered on 2002 to 2006 extended cab trucks. Most trucks have a fixed rear axle without these parts.
Signs of wear: A rear wheel that sits crooked, rear tire wear, a clunk from the rear when turning, or a torn boot.
Tip: Fits only trucks with Quadrasteer. Listed here, not drawn: the steering rear axle is not shown on this diagram.
See all Rear Tie Rod End parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The rear inner tie rod end joins the rear tie rod to the Quadrasteer steering actuator on the rear axle.
Not on every truck: Trucks with Quadrasteer rear wheel steering (GM option NYS), offered on 2002 to 2006 extended cab trucks. Most trucks have a fixed rear axle without these parts.
Signs of wear: Play or a clunk in the rear steering, or rear tire wear.
Tip: Fits only trucks with Quadrasteer. Listed here, not drawn: the steering rear axle is not shown on this diagram.
See all Rear Tie Rod End parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The independent front suspension drives each front wheel through a CV axle. It bolts to the differential by a six bolt flange and splines into the hub.
Signs of wear: Clicking when turning in four wheel drive, grease thrown from a torn boot, or a vibration.
Tip: Both sides use the same part.
See all CV Joint Parts - Front parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
Bushings between the front differential and the frame. On this truck the differential hangs from the frame, not from the wheels.
Signs of wear: A clunk from the front on take off, or a vibration in four wheel drive.
See all Front Differential Bushings parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The U-joint at the front differential end of the front driveshaft. Straps hold it to the yoke.
Signs of wear: Clunks when shifting into four wheel drive, or a vibration in four wheel drive.
See all U Joint parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The U-joint at the transfer case end of the front driveshaft.
Signs of wear: Clunks or a vibration in four wheel drive.
See all U Joint parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The U-joint at the front of the rear driveshaft.
Signs of wear: A clunk when shifting from park to drive, or a vibration that rises with speed.
Tip: Joint size depends on the driveline and the shaft material. Check your truck, because more than one size was fitted.
See all U Joint parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
Extended cab trucks use a two piece rear driveshaft with a center support bearing. This joint is at that bearing.
Not on every truck: Extended cab trucks have a two piece rear driveshaft with a center support bearing. Standard and crew cab trucks have a one piece shaft and no support joint.
Signs of wear: A vibration at highway speed, a rumble under the cab, or a torn bearing mount.
See all U Joint parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The U-joint at the rear differential.
Signs of wear: A clunk when taking off, or a vibration under load.
See all U Joint parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The rear springs are multi leaf packs that sit on top of the axle, outboard of the frame rails, and locate the axle as well as carry the load.
Signs of wear: A sagging rear end, cracked or shifted leaves, or a clunk from a broken center bolt.
Tip: Spring packs vary with capacity.
Bushings in the eyes of the leaf spring, at the front hanger and at the shackle.
Signs of wear: Squeaks over bumps, clunks when taking off, or rear steer.
See all Rear Leaf Spring Bushings parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The shackle links the rear eye of the spring to the frame bracket, so the spring can change length as it flexes.
Signs of wear: Squeaks, worn bolt holes, or a shackle at an odd angle.
Tip: Longer and shorter shackles change rear ride height a little.
See all Rear Leaf Spring Shackles parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The bracket bolted to the side of the frame rail that carries the upper end of the shackle.
Signs of wear: Rust through, cracks at the bolts, or a shackle that sits crooked.
Tip: Replace in pairs.
See all Rear Leaf Spring Shackles parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
U-bolts clamp the leaf spring and spring pad to the axle tube.
Signs of wear: A clunk on take off, or an axle that has shifted on the spring.
Tip: Fit new U-bolts when the old ones are removed.
The rear shocks are staggered. The passenger shock leans forward from the axle to a frame crossmember and the driver shock leans rearward to the next crossmember, which helps control axle wrap.
Signs of wear: Bouncing, a loose rear end under load, leaks, or cupped rear tires.
Tip: Replace in pairs.
See all Rear Shock Absorber parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
A rubber bumper under the frame rail that the axle reaches at full compression.
Signs of wear: A hard bang over big bumps when loaded.
Quadrasteer rear knuckles pivot on an upper and a lower ball joint at each end of the rear axle, the way a front knuckle does.
Not on every truck: Trucks with Quadrasteer rear wheel steering (GM option NYS), offered on 2002 to 2006 extended cab trucks. Most trucks have a fixed rear axle without these parts.
Signs of wear: A clunk from the rear over bumps or when turning, or play when the rear wheel is rocked top to bottom.
Tip: Fits only trucks with Quadrasteer. Listed here, not drawn: the steering rear axle is not shown on this diagram.
See all Rear Upper Ball Joint parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The lower pivot of the Quadrasteer rear knuckle at each end of the rear axle.
Not on every truck: Trucks with Quadrasteer rear wheel steering (GM option NYS), offered on 2002 to 2006 extended cab trucks. Most trucks have a fixed rear axle without these parts.
Signs of wear: A clunk from the rear over bumps or when turning, or play when the rear wheel is rocked top to bottom.
Tip: Fits only trucks with Quadrasteer. Listed here, not drawn: the steering rear axle is not shown on this diagram.
See all Rear Lower Ball Joint parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
A sealed bearing and hub bolted to the knuckle with three bolts. The CV axle splines through it and the wheel bolts to its six studs.
Signs of wear: A growl that changes when you swerve, play at the wheel, or a wheel speed sensor fault.
See all Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The 12 inch vented front rotor. It slips over the hub and is held on by the wheel.
Signs of wear: Pulsing in the pedal, grooves, or a shake when braking.
Tip: Replace in pairs. Some 2005 to 2007 trucks with rear drums use a larger 13 inch front rotor, so check before ordering.
See all Front Brake Rotor parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The caliper squeezes the pads against the rotor.
Signs of wear: Pull to one side when braking, uneven pad wear, or a brake fluid leak.
See all Front Brake Caliper parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
Friction pads on either side of the rotor, shown lifted out of the caliper.
Signs of wear: Squealing, grinding, or a longer stopping distance.
See all Front Brake Pads parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The 325 mm solid rear rotor, with the parking brake drum inside its hat. Some 2005 to 2007 trucks use a rear drum in place of this disc, and those drums are listed here too.
Not on every truck: Fitted to trucks with rear disc brakes. Some 2005 to 2007 trucks have rear drum brakes instead, with a 330 mm front rotor.
Signs of wear: Pulsing when braking, or scoring on the surface.
See all Rear Brake Rotor parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The rear caliper squeezes the rear pads against the rotor.
Not on every truck: Fitted to trucks with rear disc brakes. Some 2005 to 2007 trucks have rear drum brakes instead, with a 330 mm front rotor.
Signs of wear: Dragging, uneven pad wear, or a leak.
See all Rear Brake Caliper parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
Rear friction pads, shown lifted out of the caliper.
Not on every truck: Fitted to trucks with rear disc brakes. Some 2005 to 2007 trucks have rear drum brakes instead, with a 330 mm front rotor.
Signs of wear: Squealing, grinding, or a soft pedal.
See all Rear Brake Pads parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
Small shoes inside the hat of the rear rotor, shown pulled out past the axle flange. They hold the truck when parked. Trucks with rear drums use the full size shoes listed here.
Not on every truck: Fitted to trucks with rear disc brakes. Some 2005 to 2007 trucks have rear drum brakes instead, with a 330 mm front rotor.
Signs of wear: The parking brake will not hold, or the lever travels too far.
See all Parking Brake Shoes parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
A Quadrasteer truck carries each rear wheel on a sealed bearing and hub in the steering rear knuckle. Trucks without Quadrasteer have no rear hub: the wheel bolts to the axle shaft flange.
Not on every truck: Trucks with Quadrasteer rear wheel steering (GM option NYS), offered on 2002 to 2006 extended cab trucks. Most trucks have a fixed rear axle without these parts.
Signs of wear: A growl from the rear that changes when you swerve, or play at the rear wheel.
Tip: Fits only trucks with Quadrasteer. Listed here, not drawn: the steering rear axle is not shown on this diagram.
See all Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
Rubber cushions between the frame and the body, on outriggers for the cab and on the rails for the pickup box.
Signs of wear: A clunk or shift from the body over bumps, or a cab that sits unevenly.
See all Body Mount Bushings Kit parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
A rubber mount between the transmission and its crossmember.
Signs of wear: A clunk on shifts, or a vibration at idle in gear.
See all Transmission Mount parts for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
The idler arm is the best known one. Ball joints, tie rod ends and the center link follow it. Check them with the wheels off the ground, because a worn idler or tie rod end shows up as play you can feel by hand.
No. The 4WD truck uses torsion bars at the front and leaf springs at the rear. Front coil springs and rack and pinion steering belong to the 2WD truck, so skip those parts on a 4x4.
The front ride height is set by the bolt under each torsion bar key. Leveling keys add more range. Use a torsion bar load tool to take the pressure off, keep both sides even, and get an alignment afterward.
No. The 1500 HD uses the heavier front end from the 2500 HD. Its control arms, ball joints, center link and hubs are different parts, so use the 1500 HD listing for that truck.
The 1999 to 2006 Silverado and Sierra 1500 4WD and the 2007 Classic share this layout. The 2007 new body truck does not. Parts can still change by cab, brakes and options, so the parts shown here are the ones listed for the 2005 4WD truck.
Numbered diagrams to print or save for the shop. The numbers match the numbered parts on the interactive diagram.