Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Wheel Knuckle

Special Tool(s):

Removal and Installation

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital parts and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. Do not use a replacement 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. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Maintenance/Service and Repair.





2. If equipped, remove the wheel speed sensor bolt.
^ To install, tighten to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs.).





3. If equipped, remove the wheel speed sensor harness bolt and position the wheel speed sensor aside.
^ To install, tighten to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs.).

4. CAUTION: Do not allow the caliper and anchor plate assembly to hang from the brake hose or damage to the hose can occur.

Remove the bolts and position the caliper and anchor plate assembly aside.
^ Support the caliper and anchor plate assembly using mechanic's wire.
^ To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 ft. lbs.).
5. Remove the 2 brake disc bolts and remove the brake disc.
^ To install, tighten to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.).
6. Remove and discard the halfshaft nut.
^ To install, tighten to 255 Nm (189 ft. lbs.).





7. Using the special tool, separate the halfshaft from the wheel hub.
8. Remove and discard the upper ball joint nut.
^ To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).





9. Using the special tool, separate the upper ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
10. Remove and discard the tie-rod end cotter pin and nut.
^ To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).

11. CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle can result.





Using the special tool, separate the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.
12. Remove and discard the 2 lower ball joint nuts.
^ To install, tighten to 200 Nm (148 ft. lbs.).

13. CAUTION: When the lower ball joint is separated from the wheel knuckle, the lower arm may strike the outer constant velocity (CY) joint boot with enough force to damage the boot clamp. This will result in a loss of grease from the outer CV joint. Place a block of wood, or similar item, between the lower arm and the outer CV joint to prevent the lower arm from striking the outer CV joint.

NOTE: Once pressure is applied to the ball joint with the special tool, it may be necessary to tap the wheel knuckle at the ball joint area to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle.





Using the special tools, separate the 2 lower ball joints from the wheel knuckle and remove the wheel knuckle.
14. To install, reverse the removal procedure.