Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Steering Knuckle Replacement

Tools Required
^ J43828 Ball Joint Separator
^ J24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller

Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel.
3. Insert drift of screwdriver into the caliper and rotor in order to prevent rotor from turning.





4. Remove the drive axle nut.
5. Remove the brake rotor.
6. Remove the wheel bearing and hub from the vehicle.





7. Remove the outer tie rod retaining nut.
8. Using J24319-B separate the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle.
9. Remove the front strut to steering knuckle retaining bolts.





10. Remove the lower ball joint cotter pin (1) and nut (2).





11. Use J43828 to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
12. Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





1. Install the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle.
Tighten the lower ball joint nut (2) to 10 Nm (88 inch lbs.) plus an additional 180 degrees. For cotter pin alignment, tighten the nut up to, but do not exceed 60 degrees additional rotation. Do not back off nut for cotter pin (1) alignment.

Important: Do not exceed two slots during cotter pin alignment.

2. Continue to tighten the ball joint nut for cotterpin alignment and insert the cotterpin.
3. Install the tie rod to the knuckle.
Tighten the tie rod end nut to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.) plus an additional 180 degrees.
4. Install the wheel bearing/hub.
5. Install the rotor.





6. Install the drive axle (2) nut by inserting drift of screwdriver (1) into the caliper and rotor in order to prevent rotor from turning.
Tighten the drive axle nut to 160 Nm (118 ft. lbs.).
7. Install the wheel and tire.