Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

FRONT KNUCKLE

REMOVAL

CAUTION: When removing the steering knuckle the shock absorber must remain installed.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the front wheel and tire assembly.





3. Remove the front disc brake caliper (1).





4. Remove the front disc brake rotor (1).
5. Remove the front wheel hub (3).





6. Remove the disc brake dust shield by removing the three hex bolts (1).





7. Remove the Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS) by removing the bolt and pulling the sensor straight out of the steering knuckle.

CAUTION: Do not use pneumatic tools to tighten the bolt on the special tool.

Note: Check the ball joint rubber boot for any wear or damage. Repair as necessary. The use of a allen wrench may be required to hold the stud while turning the nut.





8. Remove the tie rod end from the steering knuckle by removing the nut from the tie rod joint stud. Using Special Tool C-3894-A Two Jaw Puller. Slowly tighten the bolt until the tie rod end joint is pushed out of the steering knuckle.

CAUTION: Do not use pneumatic tools to tighten the bolt on the special tool.

Note: The use of a allen wrench may be required to hold the stud while turning the nut.





9. Remove the lower control arm supporting ball joint from the steering knuckle by removing the nut (1) from the ball joint stud.





10. Using Special Tool 9168 Ball Joint Puller (2) slowly tighten the bolt until the ball joint (1) is pushed out of the steering knuckle.

CAUTION: Do not use pneumatic tools to tighten the bolt on the special tool.

Note: The use of a allen wrench may be required to hold the stud while turning the nut.





11. Remove the steering knuckle from the upper control arm by removing the nut (1) from the upper ball joint stud.
12. Using Special Tool 9168 Ball Joint Puller slowly tighten the bolt until the upper ball joint is pushed out of the steering knuckle.

CHECKING
1. Check the lower control arm supporting ball joint by performing the following:





2. Remove the nuts (1) from the lower control arm supporting ball joint.





3. Using Special Tool 9168 Ball Joint Puller (2) press out the lower control arm supporting ball joint (1).
4. Check the lower control arm supporting ball joint. It should be possible to move the ball pivot without any play, jamming or creaking noises. Move the ball pivot in all directions with a tube approximately 6 inch (150 mm) in length. Check the boot for any cracks or damage. If the boot is leaking, replace supporting or follower joint.
5. Measure the steering knuckle, if necessary.

INSTALLATION





1. Install the steering knuckle and nut (1) to the upper ball joint stud. Tighten to 45 Nm (33 ft. lbs.).





2. Install the steering knuckle and nut to the lower ball joint stud (1). Tighten to 105 Nm (77 ft. lbs.).





3. Install the tie rod end and nut onto the steering knuckle. Tighten to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).





4. Install the Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS) and bolt. Tighten to 22 Nm (16 ft. lbs.).





5. Install the disc brake dust shield and three hex bolts (1). Tighten to 22 Nm (16 ft. lbs.).





6. Install the front wheel hub (3).
7. Install the front disc brake rotor (1).





8. Install the front disc brake caliper (1).
9. Install the front wheel and tire assembly.
10. Lower the vehicle and check vehicle alignment.