Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Steering Knuckle Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.

2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Removal and Replacement.

3. Remove the wheel bearing and hub assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement Front Suspension.

4. Remove the front suspension strut bolts from the knuckle. Refer to Strut Assembly Removal and Installation Strut Assembly Removal and Installation.




5. Remove and discard the lower ball joint nut (1) and the bolt (2) from the steering knuckle. Replace with NEW only.

Caution:
Do not free the ball stud by using a pickle fork or a wedge-type tool. Damage to the seal or bushing may result.

Caution:
This component is equipped with torque-to-yield fasteners. Install a NEW torque-to-yield fastener when installing this component. Failure to replace the torque-to-yield fastener could cause damage to the vehicle or component.

6. DO NOT use any type of pry bars or power tools to separate ball joint from the steering knuckle.

7. Remove the steering knuckle (3) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

1. Position the steering knuckle in the front suspension strut and in the lower control arm.





Caution:
This component is equipped with torque-to-yield fasteners. Install a NEW torque-to-yield fastener when installing this component. Failure to replace the torque-to-yield fastener could cause damage to the vehicle or component.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.

2. Install the lower ball joint nut (1) and the NEW bolt (2) in the steering knuckle and tighten:

* First Pass: 50 Nm (37 lb ft)

* Second Pass: loosen 120 degrees

* Third Pass: 50 Nm (37 lb ft)

* Final Pass: additional 35 degrees




3. Ensure that the ball joint boot (1) is properly seated between the lower control arm and the knuckle.

4. Install the front suspension strut bolts in the steering knuckle. Refer to Strut Assembly Removal and Installation Strut Assembly Removal and Installation.

5. Install the wheel bearing and hub assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement Front Suspension.

6. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Removal and Replacement.

7. Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.