Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Steering Knuckle Replacement

Special Tools
* J 43631 Ball Joint Remover
* J 6627-A Ball Joint Separator

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
3. Support the lower control arm.
4. Remove the wheel drive shaft nut. Discard the nut.
5. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor harness from the chassis harness.
6. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor harness from inner fender panel.
7. Disconnect the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement (Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement).




8. Remove and discard the upper control arm pinch bolt and nut from the ball joint.
9. Remove and discard the lower control arm retaining nut.
10. Separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 43631 .




11. Remove the steering knuckle assembly from the vehicle and set on a bench.
12. Remove the ball joint using the J 6627-A .
13. Remove the wheel hub and bearing assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (Service and Repair).

Installation Procedure

1. Install the wheel hub and bearing assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (Service and Repair).
2. Clean all grease and contaminants from the tapered section and the threads of the lower ball joint, and the tie rod end.
3. Clean and inspect the taper holes and the mounting surfaces of the steering knuckle. If any of the tapered holes are elongated, out of round, or damaged, replace the steering knuckle.





Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

4. Connect the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle and install the new retaining nut.

Tighten the nut to 85 Nm (63 lb ft) plus 60 degrees.

5. Connect the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle and install the new pinch bolt and nut.

Tighten the nut to 70 Nm (52 lb ft).

6. Connect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement (Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement).
7. Connect the wheel speed sensor harness to the chassis harness.
8. Connect the wheel speed sensor harness to inner fender panel.
9. Install the new wheel drive shaft nut. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (Service and Repair).
10. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
11. Remove the control arm support.
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications (Wheel Alignment Specifications).