What action should be taken if the tapered hole in the steering knuckle is oval shaped?

When the tapered hole in the steering knuckle becomes oval-shaped, it indicates wear and compromise in the component that can significantly affect steering performance and safety. An oval-shaped hole suggests that the connection between the ball joint and the steering knuckle has deteriorated, which can lead to instability in the steering system and potential failure.

Replacing the steering knuckle is essential because it ensures that the tapered hole is restored to proper specifications, allowing the ball joint to fit securely, maintain correct alignment, and function as designed. A compromised tapered hole could result in excessive play, noise, and an inability to maintain proper steering geometry, ultimately jeopardizing the vehicle's handling.

Options that suggest leaving the hole as is or using a larger ball joint would not address the underlying issue of the compromised knuckle and could potentially exacerbate the problem. Additionally, only replacing the ball joint does not provide a long-term solution since it would still be subjected to the same underlying issues from the oval hole, possibly leading to more significant problems in the future. Thus, informing the customer that the knuckle should be replaced is the correct and responsible course of action to ensure vehicle safety and performance.