Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

1. On models with air suspension, place On/Off switch in luggage compartment to Off position.
2. On all models, raise and support vehicle then remove wheels.
3. Remove bolts then the brake caliper from steering knuckle. Support from frame using suitable wire.
4. Place alignment marks on disc rotor and axle hub then remove disc rotor retaining screws and the disc rotor.

Fig. 28 Exploded View Of Steering Knuckle And Hub Components:

Fig. 24 Measuring Bearing Backlash:

Fig. 25 Measuring Hub Runout:

5. Remove speed sensor from steering knuckle, Fig. 28.
6. Place a dial indicator near center of axle hub and check backlash in bearing shaft direction, Fig. 24. If backlash is greater than .002 inch, replace bearing.
7. Place a dial indicator at surface of axle hub outside hub bolt and check hub runout, Fig. 25. If runout is greater than .002 inch, replace axle hub.
8. Using a suitable screwdriver, remove grease cup from steering knuckle.
9. Using a suitable chisel, release nut caulking.
10. Install disc rotor to axle hub then install brake caliper to steering knuckle.
11. With brakes applied, loosen bearing nut.
12. Remove disc rotor and brake caliper.
13. Disconnect steering knuckle from lower ball joint as outlined under FRONT SUSPENSION/COMPONENT R & R/LOWER BALL JOINT.
14. Disconnect steering knuckle from upper ball joint as outlined under FRONT SUSPENSION/COMPONENT R & R/UPPER SUSPENSION ARM.
15. Remove steering knuckle and front axle hub.
16. Disassemble front axle hub as follows:
a. Remove speed sensor nut then the speed sensor.
b. Remove bolts and the brake dust cover.
c. Using universal puller tool No. 09950-20017 or equivalent, remove axle shaft from steering knuckle.
d. Using universal puller tool, remove inner race from axle shaft and oil seal from knuckle.
e. Remove bearing snap ring from knuckle.
f. Place inner race above bearing on inner side.
g. Using drive pinion bearing tool No. 09608-35014 or equivalent, remove bearing from steering knuckle.
17. Reverse procedure to install.