Rear Knuckle: Service and Repair

Wheel Knuckle, Independent Rear Suspension





Special Tool(s)

1. CAUTION: Do not loosen the axle wheel hub retainer until the wheel and tire are removed from the vehicle. Wheel bearing damage will occur if the wheel bearing is unloaded with the weight of the vehicle applied.

Remove the wheel and tire assembly.

2. NOTE: Have an assistant press the brake pedal to keep the axle from turning.





Remove the nut and washer.
^ Discard the nut.

3. Remove the brake shield.

4. CAUTION: Do not damage the boot while separating the toe link from the knuckle.





Remove the nut and bolt and separate the toe link from the wheel knuckle.
^ Discard the nut.

5. CAUTION: Do not damage the boot while separating the ball joint from the knuckle.





Remove the nut and bolt and separate the upper ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
^ Discard the nut.

6. CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the outboard CV joint from the hub. Damage to the threads and internal CV joint components may result.





Using the special tool, press the outboard CV joint until it is loose from the hub.





7. Remove the nut and bolt and the wheel knuckle, hub and bearing as an assembly.
^ Discard the nut.

8. If necessary, remove the hub and bearing.
9. To install. reverse the removal procedure.