Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

- TOOLS REQUIRED
- SA9llOOC Tie Rod Separator
- J44015 Steering Linkage Installer

REMOVAL

1. Remove the wheel cover on base wheels or center cap on up-level aluminum wheel.
2. With vehicle on ground, remove cotter, depress brake pedal and loosen axle-to-hub nut.

CAUTION: MAKE SURE VEHICLE IS PROPERLY SUPPORTED AND SQUARELY POSITIONED ON HOIST. TO HELP AVOID PERSONAL INJURY, PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO THE OPPOSITE END OF THE VEHICLE THAT COMPONENTS WILL BE REMOVED FROM.





3. Raise vehicle on hoist.
4. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
5. Remove caliper mount bracket-to-steering knuckle bolts; remove caliper assembly and suspend it from strut spring with mechanics wire.





6. Remove rotor screw.
7. Remove rotor.
8. Remove dust shield screws and dust shield.

NOTICE: The ABS sensor bracket has a locating pin to locate bracket-to-knuckle. Caution should be used when removing bracket as locating pin may break.





9. If equipped, remove ABS Sensor and bracket assembly.

IMPORTANT: Do not remove fasteners at this time.





10. Loosen steering knuckle to strut fasteners.





11. Remove axle-to-hub nut and discard.





12. Remove and discard tie rod end nut.

NOTICE: Do not attempt to separate joint using a wedge-type tool because seal may be damaged.





13. Using Tie Rod Separator SA9llOOC (or equivalent), separate tie rod end from steering knuckle.

NOTICE: Be careful not to allow steering knuckle to contact ball stud seal. Contact may cause the seal to rip, requiring ball stud replacement.

IMPORTANT: Place a rag over the ball stud boot, protecting it from damage caused by contact with steering knuckle





14. Remove lower ball stud bolt and nut.
15. Separate lower control arm from knuckle.





16. Suspend or support the drive axle from the strut spring with mechanics wire.

NOTICE: Never pull on the shaft assembly.





17. If difficulty is encountered in separating axle from hub, tap on end of drive axle shaft using a block of wood and a hammer. Do not hammer directly on end of axle.
18. Remove knuckle/wheel hub assembly from vehicle.