Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

REMOVAL
Refer to the illustrations when servicing, noting the following:





1. Remove free-running hub assembly.





2. Separate drive shaft from knuckle spindle by slightly tapping drive shaft end.





3. Separate tie rod from knuckle spindle with Tool. Install stud nut conversely on stud bolt so as not to damage stud bolt.





4. Separate knuckle spindle from ball joints as follows:
a. Loosen (do not remove) upper and lower ball joint tightening nuts.





b. Separate knuckle spindle from upper and lower ball joint studs with ball joint removing tool No. HT72520000 (J25730-B), or equivalent.

CAUTION: During above operation, never remove ball joint nuts which are loosened in step "a" above.





c. Remove ball joint tightening nuts. Support lower link with jack.
d. Remove knuckle spindle from upper and lower links.

INSPECTION

Knuckle Spindle
^ Check knuckle spindle for deformation, cracks and other damage by using a magnetic exploration or dyeing test.

Needle Bearing
^ Check needle bearing for wear, scratches, pitting, flaking and burn marks.





INSTALLATION
1. Install needle bearing into knuckle spindle.

NOTE: Make sure that needle bearing is facing in the proper direction. Apply multi-purpose grease.





2. Install knuckle spindle to upper and lower ball joints with lower link jacked up.

CAUTION: Make sure that oil and grease do not come into contact with tapered areas of ball joint, knuckle spindle and threads of ball joint.

3. Connect tie rod to knuckle spindle.
4. After installing knuckle spindle, adjust wheel bearing preload.





5. After installing drive shaft, check drive shaft axial end play.

CAUTION: Do not reuse snap ring once it has been removed.