Rear Knuckle: Service and Repair

Wheel Knuckle













Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

NOTICE: Orientation of the suspension fasteners is important. Make sure the fasteners are installed in the same direction as they were in when removed or incorrect clamp load and damage to components may occur.

1. Measure the distance from the center of the hub to the lip of the fender with the vehicle in a level, static ground position (curb height).





2. If equipped, remove the wheel speed sensor bolt and position the sensor aside.

3. NOTICE: Do not loosen the halfshaft nut and washer until the wheel and tire are removed from the vehicle. Wheel bearing damage will occur if the wheel bearing is unloaded with the weight of the vehicle applied.

NOTE: Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.

NOTE: Do not discard the halfshaft nut at this time.

Remove the halfshaft nut.

4. Remove the parking brake shoes. For additional information, refer to Parking Brake System.

5. NOTICE: Do not use a hammer to separate the halfshaft from the hub. Damage to the threads and internal Constant Velocity (CV) joint components may result.

Using the Front Wheel Hub Remover, press the halfshaft from the hub.





6. Position a suitable jack under the wheel knuckle and raise the suspension until the distance between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to the measurement taken in Step 1.

7. Remove and discard the toe link outboard nut and bolt.

8. Remove and discard the upper arm outboard nut and bolt.

9. Remove and discard the lower arm outboard nut and bolt.

10. Remove and discard the 3 wheel knuckle bolts and remove the wheel knuckle.

11. If a new wheel knuckle is being installed, remove the wheel bearing and wheel hub. For additional information, refer to Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub Rear Suspension.

Installation

1. Position the wheel knuckle and install 3 new wheel knuckle bolts.
- Tighten to 275 Nm (203 lb-ft).

2. Install a new lower arm outboard bolt and flagnut.
- Tighten the nut to 275 Nm (203 lb-ft).

3. NOTICE: The upper arm outboard bolt must be installed with the bolt head toward the front of the vehicle or wheel damage may occur.

Install a new upper arm outboard bolt and nut with the bolt head toward the front of the vehicle.

- Tighten to 225 Nm (166 lb-ft).

4. Position the toe link and install a new toe link outboard bolt and nut.
- Tighten to 325 Nm (240 lb-ft).

5. Lower the suspension and remove the jack.

6. Install the parking brake shoes. For additional information, refer to Parking Brake System.

7. Position the wheel speed sensor and install the bolt.
- Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).

8. NOTICE: Do not tighten the rear halfshaft nut with the vehicle on the ground. The nut must be tightened to specification before the vehicle is lowered to the ground. Wheel bearing damage will occur if the wheel bearing is loaded with the weight of the vehicle applied.

NOTE: Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.

Position the halfshaft in the hub and use the previously removed halfshaft nut to seat the halfshaft.

- Tighten to 275 Nm (203 lb-ft).

- Remove and discard the nut.

9. NOTICE: Install and tighten the new halfshaft nut to specification within 5 minutes of starting it on the threads. Always install a new halfshaft nut after loosening or when not tightening within the specified time or damage to the components may occur.

Install a new halfshaft nut.

- Tighten to 275 Nm (203 lb-ft).