Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

- Tools Required
- J 23742 Ball Joint Separator





1. Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety stands under the control arms.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Disconnect the tie rod from the steering knuckle. Refer to Tie Rod Replacement.

NOTICE: Support the caliper with a piece of wire to prevent damage to the brake line.





4. Remove the front brake caliper.
5. Remove the hub/rotor. Refer to Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement.
6. Remove the steering knuckle seal. Do not damage the seal.
7. Remove the three bolts that attach the splash shield to the knuckle.





8. Using the J 23742 separate the upper and the lower ball joint studs from the steering knuckle. Refer to Upper Ball Joint Replacement or Lower Ball Joint Replacement.
9. Remove the wheel speed sensor from the steering knuckle.
10. Remove the knuckle.
10.1. Clean the steering knuckle.
10.2. Inspect the steering knuckle tapered hole. If this tapered hole is out-of-round, deformed, or damaged, replace the knuckle.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Install the wheel speed sensor in the steering knuckle.





2. Install the upper and lower ball joints into the steering knuckle. Refer to Upper Ball Joint Replacement or Lower Ball Joint Replacement.





3. Install the steering knuckle seal.
4. Install the splash shield to the steering knuckle.
5. Install the bolts to the splash shield.

NOTICE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

- Tighten the nuts to 24 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).

6. Install the tie rod end into the knuckle and install the tie rod end retaining nut. Refer to Tie Rod Replacement.
7. Install the hub/rotor. Refer to Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement.
8. Adjust the wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearing Adjustment.





9. Install the front brake caliper.
10. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
11. Remove the safety stands.
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Alignment.