Rear Knuckle: Service and Repair
Wheel SpindleWheel Spindle:
Removal
CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number, or an equivalent part, must be installed if installation is necessary. Do not use a new part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.
1. Remove the hub cap or wheel cover.
2. Measure the distance from the center of the hub to the lip of the fender with the vehicle in a level, static ground position (curb height).
3. Remove the wheel hub.
4. Remove the brake hose bracket bolt and detach the brake hose.
5. If equipped, remove the anti-lock brake system (ABS) sensor bolt and detach the rear ABS sensor.
6. CAUTION: Do not allow the brake backing plate to hang from the brake hose. Damage to the hose can occur.
Remove and discard the 4 brake backing plate bolts. Detach the brake backing plate and support it using mechanic's wire.
7. Remove and discard the 2 lower control arm-to-spindle nuts, then remove the 2 washers and the 2 flag bolts.
8. Remove and discard the tension strut rear nut, then remove the washer and the rear half of the rear bushing.
9. NOTE: If necessary, use a large screwdriver to spread the pinch joint to aid in removal.
Remove and discard the wheel spindle pinch bolt, then remove the rear wheel spindle.
Installation
1. Position the wheel spindle and install a new pinch bolt.
^ Do not tighten the bolt at this time.
2. NOTE: The cupped side of the washer must face away from the bushing.
Position the tension strut, then install the rear half of the rear bushing, the washer and a new tension strut nut.
^ Do not tighten the nut at this time.
3. Position the lower control arms and install new flag bolts, washers and new lower control arm-to-spindle nuts.
^ Do not tighten the nuts at this time.
4. Position a jack stand under the suspension and raise the suspension until the distance between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to the measurement taken previously (curb height).
5. Tighten the 2 lower control arm-to-spindle nuts to 80 Nm (59 ft. lbs.) and tighten the tension strut nut to 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.).
6. Tighten the wheel spindle pinch bolt to 80 Nm (59 ft. lbs.).
7. Lower the suspension and remove the jack stand.
8. Install a new brake backing plate gasket, then position the backing plate and install 4 new bolts.
^ Tighten to 70 Nm (52 ft. lbs.).
9. NOTE: Make sure the ABS sensor mounting hole is free of any foreign material or corrosion build up, or false ABS activation can occur.
Position the ABS sensor and install the bolt.
^ Tighten to 9 Nm (80 inch lbs.).
10. Position the brake hose and install the brake hose bracket bolt.
11. Install the wheel hub.
12. Check and, if necessary, adjust the rear toe.