Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Removal Procedure

- Tools Required
- J6627-A Tie Rod/Wheel Stud Puller
- J42089 Linkage Installer
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the front wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
3. Remove the wheel hub. Refer to Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement
4. Remove the brake disc rotor splash shield bolts.





5. Remove the brake disc rotor splash shield.





6. Remove the ball stud nut from the outer tie rod.
7. Use the J6627-A to remove the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle.





8. Remove the steering knuckle bolts from the strut.
9. Remove the steering knuckle from the strut.





10. Remove the lower control arm ball stud pinch bolt (1).
11. Remove the steering knuckle from the lower control arm ball stud.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the steering knuckle to the lower control arm ball stud.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Important:
- Use a new lower control arm ball stud pinch bolt.
- Insert the pinch bolt from the rear toward the front of the vehicle.

2. Install the pinch bolt (1) for the lower control arm ball stud.
- Tighten the pinch bolt for the lower control arm ball stud to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.).





3. Install the steering knuckle to the strut.

Important:
- Use new bolts for the steering knuckle to the strut attachment.
- Install the bolts from the front toward the rear of the vehicle.

4. Install the steering knuckle to the strut bolts.
- Tighten the steering knuckle to the strut bolts until snug. The bolt will not be tightened to specifications until the final camber corrections have been made.





5. Install the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle.
- Inspect the threads on the ball stud. If the threads are not clean and if the threads are not smooth, the ball stud may turn inside the inner tie rod when attempting to tighten the nut during installation. If the threads are damaged and repair is possible, use an appropriate size die to clean the threads.
- Inspect the ball stud taper for nicks. Lightly file or sand to remove any nicks.

6. Install the outer tie rod into the steering knuckle.
7. Install the J42089 to the tie rod ball stud.
- Tighten the J42089 to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.) to allow the ball stud taper seat.
8. Remove the J42089 from the tie rod ball stud.

Important: Use a new self locking tie rod nut.

9. Install the outer tie rod nut.
- Tighten the outer tie rod nut to 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.).
10. Install the brake disc rotor splash shield.
11. Install the brake disc rotor splash bolts.
- Tighten the brake disc rotor splash shield bolts to 4 Nm (35 inch lbs.).
12. Install the wheel hub. Refer to Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement
13. Install the front wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
14. Lower the vehicle.
15. Adjust the wheel alignment. Refer Measuring Wheel Alignment.