Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

- Tools Required
- J23742 Ball Joint Separator

Removal Procedure





1. Raise the vehicle. Place suitable safety stands under the control arms.





2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
3. Disconnect the tie rod from the steering knuckle. Refer to Tie Rod Replacement in Steering Linkage.

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

4. Remove the front brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement in Brakes and Traction Control.
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 J23742 separate the upper and the lower ball joint studs from the steering knuckle. Refer to Upper Ball Joint Replacement (Light Duty Suspension) or Upper Ball Joint Replacement (Heavy Duty Suspension) or Lower Ball Joint Replacement.
9. Remove the wheel speed sensor from the steering knuckle. Refer to Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement in Brakes and Traction Control.





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. Refer to Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement in Brakes and Traction Control.
2. Install the upper and lower ball joints into the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Ball Joint Replacement or Upper Ball Joint Replacement (Light Duty Suspension) or Upper Ball Joint Replacement (Heavy Duty Suspension).





3. Install the steering knuckle seal.





4. Install the splash shield to the steering knuckle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

5. Install the bolts to the splash shield.
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 in Steering Linkage.
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. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement in Brakes and Traction Control.
10. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
11. Remove the safety stands.
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.