Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

PREPARATION
Raise and support vehicle, then remove wheels
Remove front wheel hub, refer to Transmission and Drivetrain

NOTE: Numbers in parentheses ( ) indicate a component or tool in the associated illustration.

REMOVAL





1. Unscrew bolts (arrows).
- Detach ABS speed sensor from steering knuckle





2. Unscrew bolts (arrows).
- Remove brake guard (35) from steering knuckle (5).
3. Using spring clamp tool No. 000 589 46 31 00 and clamping plates tool No. 000 589 79 63 00, or equivalents, remove front spring. Service and Repair





4. Unscrew bolts fastening the steering knuckle arm to the steering knuckle





5. If equipped, unscrew wheel acceleration sensor (B24/1) on right-hand steering knuckle

NOTE: The acceleration sensor is sensitive to lateral forces and impacts.








6. Unscrew bolts (arrows) and nut for fastening the damper strut
- Force out bolts





7. Remove bolt (5d) and nut (5e) clamping the steering knuckle (5) to the supporting joint (7)
8. Remove steering knuckle from supporting joint





NOTE: If the steering knuckle is corroded, loosen the clamped joint by expanding the slot in the steering knuckle with the spreader tool No. 140 589 02 31 00, or equivalent

9. Check supporting joint in control arm. Testing and Inspection
10. Check steering knuckle

INSTALLATION





1. Replace stop pin in steering knuckle
- Insert steering knuckle into supporting joint
- Install bolt with new self locking nut and tighten to: 125 Nm.
2. Thoroughly pack slot (arrow) of clamped joint with preservation wax part No. 000 986 33 70 10, or equivalent
3. install steering knuckle arm with new micro-encapsulated bolts and tighten to: 80 Nm.





4. If equipped, screw wheel acceleration sensor (B24/1) onto right hand steering knuckle (arrows)





5. Connect damper strut (11) to steering knuckle (5) by screwing in the two new micro-encapsulated bolts (11i) until the damper strut makes contact
- DO NOT TIGHTEN YET
6. Press top of steering knuckle (5) against damper strut until it makes contact and tighten upper bolt (11k) with washers and new self-locking nut
7. Tighten the two lower self-locking bolts (11i) to: 110 Nm
- Tightening torques for upper bolt (11k) with self locking nut:
12 x 1.5 mm: 110 Nm
14 x 1.5 mm: 200 Nm
8. Un-clamp or reinstall front spring.

NOTE: Clean lower spring mounting in control arm and ensure that the coil end is correctly seated
9. Install brake guard and tighten to: 10 Nm.
10. Fit ABS speed sensor and bolt on
11. Install front wheel hub
12. Check and adjust front wheel alignment. Refer to "Wheels, Tires and Alignment". Service and Repair