Front End Steering Rebuild Kits
Package kits bundle the wearing front end parts for this vehicle in one order, usually for less than buying them one by one.
2012 GMC Yukon 4WD Suspension Diagram
This interactive diagram shows the front suspension, steering, driveline and rear suspension of the 2012 GMC Yukon 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, down to the side and position.
2012 GMC Yukon 4WD Suspension Diagram (Full Chassis)
2012 GMC Yukon 4WD Front Suspension and Steering Diagram
2012 GMC Yukon 4WD Rear Suspension Diagram
We carry parts for it Not stocked yet Hover or tap any part.
The 2007 to 2014 Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD use independent front suspension with upper and lower control arms. A coil spring sits on each strut, and the strut passes through the fork of the upper arm to a tower on the frame. A rack and pinion steers the front wheels, and CV axles drive them from a frame mounted differential. The rear is a solid axle on coil springs, located by two lower control arms, two upper control arms and a track bar, with a sway bar on the axle and disc brakes at all four wheels.
We carry replacement parts for 45 of the 49 components on this diagram, 186 parts in all. See every part for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD.
Packages and kits
Shock Absorber Sets
Front and rear shock sets for the whole vehicle.
Leveling Kits and Strut Spacers
Spacers on top of the strut raise the front to level it with the rear.
Lowering and Lift Kits
Spring, spindle and shock sets that change ride height at both ends.
Active to Passive Conversion Kits
Kits that replace Autoride shocks with conventional ones, or shock and spring sets for lowering.
Front Suspension
1 Upper Ball Joint (driver and passenger side)
The upper ball joint sits on top of the upper control arm. Its stud drops through the top ear of the knuckle, with the nut underneath.
Signs of wear: Clunking over bumps, wandering steering, uneven tire wear, or play when the wheel is rocked top to bottom.
Tip: On this vehicle the joint comes with the arm in most cases, so a new upper arm is the usual repair.
We don't carry a upper ball joint for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
2 Lower Ball Joint (driver and passenger side)
The lower ball joint presses into the lower control arm. Its stud points down through the bottom ear of the knuckle.
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 vehicle on a jack.
Tip: Match the joint to your arm. K6541 is for the cast iron arm and K500007 is for the aluminum arm. They are not the same length.
See all Front Lower Ball Joint parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
3 Upper Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
A curved, forked arm that holds the top of the knuckle. It wraps around the coil spring, and its two inner bushings pivot on cam bolts on the outside of the frame rail.
Signs of wear: Clunks, torn inner bushings, a worn ball joint, or an alignment that will not hold.
Tip: GM built this arm in forged steel, stamped steel and aluminum, and the ball joint taper differs between them. Check which one is on your vehicle before you order.
4 Lower Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
The large A-shaped arm under the knuckle. It carries the bottom of the strut, the sway bar link and the lower ball joint. Two bushings hold it in pockets on the frame. The cast iron arm is drawn.
Signs of wear: Clunks over bumps, torn bushings, a worn ball joint, or tires that wear on the edges.
Tip: Some vehicles have an aluminum lower arm and aluminum knuckles instead of the cast iron arm. The two are not interchangeable, so look at yours before you order.
5 Upper Control Arm Bushing (driver and passenger side)
Two rubber bushings let the upper arm pivot on its cam bolts.
Signs of wear: Cracked or torn rubber, clunks on turn-in, or an alignment that wanders.
Tip: Mark the cam bolts before you pull them, so the alignment starts close.
See all Front Control Arm Bushings parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
6 Lower Control Arm Bushing (driver and passenger side)
A forward and a rearward bushing hold the lower arm in its frame pockets.
Signs of wear: Clunks when you brake or take off, torn rubber, or a front end that shifts over bumps.
Tip: Tighten the bolts with the vehicle at ride height so the rubber is not twisted.
See all Front Control Arm Bushings parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
7 Alignment Cam Kit
Cam bolts through the upper arm bushings set caster and camber.
Signs of wear: Tire wear that an alignment cannot correct, or cam bolts that are seized or have slipped.
Tip: Leveling kits and lift kits often need more range than the factory cams give.
See all Front End Alignment Kit parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
8 Steering Knuckle (driver and passenger side)
The knuckle joins the two ball joints, carries the hub and the brake, and has the steering arm that the tie rod bolts to.
Signs of wear: Damage from a hit, or worn tapered holes for the ball joint or tie rod studs.
Tip: Some vehicles have aluminum knuckles, and those need the matching aluminum lower arm.
See all Front Lowering Spindles parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
9 Strut Bumper (driver and passenger side)
A foam bumper on the strut rod, right under the top mount. It cushions the strut at full compression.
Signs of wear: A hard bang over big bumps, or a split or missing cover.
Tip: It is inside the coil, so the strut has to come out to replace it.
We don't carry a strut bumper for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
10 Front Strut (driver and passenger side)
The front shock sits inside the coil spring. Its bottom bolts to the lower arm with two small bolts, and it passes up through the fork of the upper arm to the tower on the frame.
Signs of wear: Bouncing after a bump, nose dive, oil on the body, or cupped tires.
Tip: A complete strut assembly with the spring and mount saves using a spring compressor. Vehicles with Autoride, 22 inch wheels or the police package use their own strut.
See all Front Shock Absorber parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
11 Front Coil Spring (driver and passenger side)
The front spring is a coil on the strut, held between a lower seat on the strut body and the top mount. This vehicle has no torsion bars.
Signs of wear: A sagging corner, a nose that sits low, or a broken coil.
Tip: Springs are matched to the options. Vehicles with Electronic Damper Control (Autoride) and heavy duty packages use their own springs, so use the one listed for your vehicle.
12 Coil Spring Seat (driver and passenger side)
A rubber seat with a sleeve sits at the top of the coil under the mount, and a flat isolator sits on the lower seat, so the coil does not ring against the metal.
Signs of wear: Creaks or pops when you turn the wheel, or a crumbled seat when the strut is apart.
Tip: Replace them whenever the strut comes apart.
See all Front Coil Spring Isolator Pads parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
13 Strut Mount (driver and passenger side)
The top mount bolts up through the frame tower on three studs and holds the top of the strut.
Signs of wear: A clunk from the top of the strut, or a torn rubber center.
Tip: The mount differs on vehicles with an automatic leveling system.
14 Front Sway Bar
The bar crosses under the vehicle behind the differential, below the front driveshaft. Its arms wrap outboard of the frame rails and run forward to the rear legs of the lower arms, tying the two sides together to reduce body roll.
Signs of wear: Body roll, or a clunk if the bar has shifted in its bushings.
Tip: Stock bars are listed in 30 and 36 mm for these years, so measure yours before buying bushings.
15 Sway Bar Bushing
Two bushings in brackets hold the bar to the bottom of the frame rails and let it twist.
Signs of wear: A squeak or thump from the front end, or a bar that moves side to side.
Tip: The bushing has to match the bar size. Check the stamp on the old bushing or measure the bar.
See all Front Sway Bar Bushings parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
16 Sway Bar Link (driver and passenger side)
A long bolt with a sleeve and rubber bushings joins the bar end to the rear leg of the lower arm.
Signs of wear: A rattle over small bumps, or torn bushings.
Tip: The bolt goes in from below. Tighten it only until the bushings are snug, because crushing them shortens their life.
See all Front Sway Bar Endlinks parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
17 Front Differential Bushing (driver and passenger side)
Four rubber bushings, one at each end of the two differential brackets, isolate the frame mounted front differential from the crossmembers.
Signs of wear: A clunk when you shift into four wheel drive or when you get on and off the throttle.
Tip: Support the differential with a jack before you loosen the bolts.
See all Front Differential Bushings parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
18 Front Differential Bracket (driver and passenger side)
A long bracket on each side runs front to back under the differential, from the front lower arm crossmember to the rear one. It has a bushing at each end, and the differential bolts to its middle.
Signs of wear: Cracks near the bushing, or a differential that sits crooked.
Tip: The left and right brackets are different parts.
See all Front Differential Bushings parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
Steering
19 Outer Tie Rod End (driver and passenger side)
The outer end threads onto the inner tie rod. Its stud points up into the knuckle's steering arm, with the nut on top.
Signs of wear: Loose steering, wandering, or uneven wear on the tire edges.
Tip: Count the turns as you unscrew the old end. Hybrid models use a different end.
See all Front Outer Tie Rod End parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
20 Inner Tie Rod (driver and passenger side)
The inner rod screws into the end of the steering rack, inside the boot.
Signs of wear: Play in the steering that stays after the outer ends are new, or a knock over bumps.
Tip: The boot has to come off first. Replace it if it is torn. Hybrid models use a different rod.
See all Front Inner Tie Rod End parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
21 Rack and Pinion Boot (driver and passenger side)
A rubber bellows at each end of the rack keeps dirt and water away from the inner tie rod and the rack.
Signs of wear: A split boot, or fluid inside the boot, which means the rack seal is leaking.
Tip: A torn boot ruins the inner tie rod quickly, so replace it as soon as you see it.
See all Steering Rack Bellow parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
22 Steering Rack
This vehicle steers with a rack and pinion. There is no pitman arm, idler arm or center link. The pinion is on the driver side.
Signs of wear: Fluid leaks, a dead spot in the steering, or a heavy feel at one point of the turn.
Tip: We list the boots, bushings and tie rods. Hybrid models have an electric rack.
We don't carry a steering rack for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
23 Rack Mount Bushing
Two bushings in the rack mounting ears and a ring round the rack tube isolate the rack from the frame.
Signs of wear: The steering wheel moves but the wheels are slow to follow, or the rack visibly shifts when the wheel is turned.
Tip: Have someone turn the wheel while you watch the rack housing.
See all Steering Rack Bushings parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
Driveline
24 Front CV Axle (driver and passenger side)
A CV shaft bolts to the differential with six bolts and drives each front hub.
Signs of wear: Clicking in tight turns, grease on the inside of the wheel, or a torn boot.
Tip: Both sides use the same part. Replace a shaft as soon as a boot tears.
See all CV Joint Parts - Front parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
25 Front Driveshaft U-Joint at Axle
The U-joint at the differential end of the front driveshaft.
Signs of wear: A clunk when you engage four wheel drive, or a vibration in four wheel drive.
Tip: Mark the shaft before you take it off so it goes back in phase.
26 Front Driveshaft U-Joint at Transfer Case
The U-joint at the transfer case end of the front driveshaft.
Signs of wear: A clunk when you engage four wheel drive, or rust dust at the joint.
Tip: Replace both front joints together, since they have the same miles.
27 Rear Driveshaft U-Joint at Transmission
The U-joint at the front of the one piece rear driveshaft, behind the transfer case.
Signs of wear: A clunk when you shift into gear, or a vibration that grows with speed.
Tip: Mark the shaft before you take it off so it goes back in phase.
28 Rear Driveshaft U-Joint at Axle
The U-joint at the rear axle end of the driveshaft.
Signs of wear: A squeak at low speed, a clunk on takeoff, or a vibration at highway speed.
Tip: The rear shaft is one piece, with the same size joint at both ends.
Rear Suspension
35 Rear Lower Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
A boxed steel arm outboard of each frame rail. It runs forward from a bracket under the axle tube to a bracket that hangs from the rail, and carries the drive and braking loads.
Signs of wear: A clunk on take off or braking, or rear steer when cornering.
Tip: Replace the bushings with the arm, and tighten the bolts with the weight on the wheels.
36 Rear Upper Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
A shorter arm on each side of the differential, from an ear on top of the axle housing forward to a bracket under the frame crossmember. With the lower arms it keeps the axle square and controls the pinion angle.
Signs of wear: A clunk from the rear, or a vibration on take off.
Tip: Tighten the bolts with the vehicle at ride height.
37 Rear Track Bar
One bar across the vehicle behind the axle, from a bracket on the driver side of the axle to a bracket at the passenger frame rail. It keeps the axle centered under the body.
Signs of wear: The rear moves side to side over bumps, or a clunk when changing lanes.
Tip: Check both bushings and the bolts at each end. A lift kit may need a relocation bracket.
We don't carry a rear track bar for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
38 Rear Control Arm Bushing (driver and passenger side)
Rubber or polyurethane bushings in both eyes of each rear control arm and of the track bar.
Signs of wear: Clunks over bumps or on take off, or cracked rubber at the eyes.
Tip: Kits for this rear cover the control arms and the track bar.
See all Rear Control Arm Bushings parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
39 Rear Coil Spring (driver and passenger side)
A coil spring on each side, between a seat on the axle tube and a pocket just inside the frame rail. It carries the rear of the vehicle.
Signs of wear: A sagging rear, uneven ride height side to side, or a broken coil.
Tip: Heavy duty and standard springs are listed, and vehicles with Electronic Damper Control use their own. Replace in pairs.
40 Rear Coil Spring Insulator (driver and passenger side)
Rubber pads at the top and bottom of each rear coil spring.
Signs of wear: Squeaks or clunks from the springs over bumps.
Tip: Fit new insulators whenever the springs are out.
See all Rear Coil Spring Isolator Pads parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
41 Rear Sway Bar
A steel bar across the vehicle behind the axle, bushed to the axle housing, with end links up to the frame. It reduces body roll.
Signs of wear: Extra body roll, or clunks from the rear on uneven roads.
Tip: Upgraded bars bolt to the original axle mounts and reuse the end links.
42 Rear Sway Bar Bushing
Two bushings in U straps that hold the rear sway bar to brackets on the axle housing.
Signs of wear: Clunks or squeaks over bumps.
Tip: The stock bar is 1-1/8 inch (28 to 29 mm).
See all Rear Sway Bar Bushings parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
43 Rear Sway Bar End Link (driver and passenger side)
A link with a ball stud at each end, from the end of the rear sway bar up to the frame.
Signs of wear: A rattle or clunk from the rear over small bumps.
Tip: Hold the stud with a wrench while turning the nut.
See all Rear Sway Bar Endlinks parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
44 Rear Shock Absorber (driver and passenger side) Not on every vehicle
Each rear shock runs from a bracket on the axle, behind the tube and outboard of the frame, up to a bracket on the outside of the rail behind the axle.
Not on every vehicle: Vehicles with Autoride or the police package use their own rear shocks; the standard shock is drawn.
Signs of wear: Bouncing after bumps, a leak, or cupped rear tires.
Tip: Autoride and self leveling vehicles use their own shocks or a conversion kit. Check your vehicle.
See all Rear Shock Absorber parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
45 Rear Bump Stop (driver and passenger side)
A rubber bumper under the frame over the axle. The axle reaches it at full compression.
Signs of wear: A hard bang over big bumps when loaded.
Brakes and Hubs
29 Front Hub and Bearing (driver and passenger side)
A sealed hub and bearing bolts to the knuckle with three bolts. It has six wheel studs on a 5.5 inch circle.
Signs of wear: A hum that changes when you swerve, or play in the wheel.
Tip: The axle nut has to come off first, and it takes a 36 mm socket.
See all Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
30 Front Brake Rotor (driver and passenger side)
A vented 330 mm rotor sits on the hub.
Signs of wear: A pulsing pedal, grooves, or a thickness under the minimum.
Tip: Check the size stamped on your rotor. This listing is for the 330 mm brake.
31 Front Brake Caliper (driver and passenger side)
A floating two piston caliper bolts to the knuckle and clamps the pads on the rotor.
Signs of wear: A pull to one side, a dragging wheel, or fluid on the inside of the wheel.
Tip: The calipers changed during the 2008 model year. The later calipers are listed for 2009 to 2014.
See all Front Brake Caliper parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
32 Front Brake Pads (driver and passenger side)
Two pads per wheel, one on each side of the rotor.
Signs of wear: Squealing, grinding, or a longer stop.
Tip: Pads come in versions for the solid abutment clip and the clip with a square hole. Check yours.
46 Rear Brake Rotor (driver and passenger side)
The vented 345 mm rear rotor, with the parking brake drum inside its hat.
Signs of wear: Pulsing when braking, or scoring on the surface.
47 Rear Brake Caliper (driver and passenger side)
A single piston floating caliper on a bracket behind the axle squeezes the rear pads against the rotor. The same caliper fits either side.
Signs of wear: Dragging, uneven pad wear, or a leak.
48 Rear Brake Pads (driver and passenger side)
Two friction pads in each rear caliper, one each side of the rotor.
Signs of wear: Squealing, grinding, or a soft pedal.
49 Parking Brake Shoes (driver and passenger side)
A band shoe inside the hat of each rear rotor holds the vehicle when parked. It is hidden behind the rotor, so the exploded view shows it.
Signs of wear: The parking brake will not hold, or the lever travels too far.
See all Parking Brake Shoes parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
Body and Mounts
33 Body Mounts
Rubber cushions between the frame and the body, on outriggers along both rails.
Signs of wear: Clunks from under the cab, or a cab that shifts when you brake.
Tip: Do one side at a time, and raise the body only as far as you need to.
See all Body Mount Bushings Kit parts for the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD
34 Transmission Mount
The mount sits on a bolt-on crossmember and carries the rear of the transmission.
Signs of wear: A clunk when you shift into gear, or a vibration at idle.
Tip: Support the transmission before you take the crossmember out.
Questions about the 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD suspension
What are the most common front end wear items on a 2012 Yukon 4x4?
Lower ball joints and outer tie rod ends lead the list, followed by upper control arms with worn bushings and ball joints. Check them with the wheels off the ground, because a worn joint shows up as play you can feel by hand.
Does the 2012 Yukon 4x4 have torsion bars?
No. From 2007 the front uses a coil spring on a strut at each corner. Torsion bars were on the 2000 to 2006 models. The rear has a coil spring at each side of the axle.
What holds the rear axle in place?
Two lower control arms outboard of the frame and two upper control arms keep the axle square, and a track bar across the back of the axle keeps it centered under the body. Worn bushings in any of them cause clunks and a loose feel at the rear.
Why are there two different lower ball joints?
GM used a cast iron lower arm and an aluminum lower arm with aluminum knuckles. The ball joints differ in length, and the arms are not interchangeable. Check which arm is on your vehicle before you order.
Which years share this suspension?
The 2009 to 2014 Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD share these parts. The 2007 and 2008 models use the same layout but different front calipers and pads on many vehicles, and different rear driveshaft U-joints. Autoride, 22 inch wheels and the police package change the struts, springs and shocks, so the parts shown here are the ones listed for the 2012 4WD Yukon.
Printable 2012 GMC Yukon 4WD suspension diagrams
Numbered diagrams to print or save for the shop. The numbers match the numbered parts on the interactive diagram.
