Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

1. Place ignition switch in Off position and ensure steering wheel is not locked.
2. Remove hub nut and loosen three strut attaching nuts, then raise and support vehicle. Do nut raise vehicle with lower control arm.
3. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
4. Remove brake caliper and wire it aside.
5. Remove brake rotor and tie rod end.
6. Remove stabilizer bar link nut, then remove link from strut.
7. Remove lower control arm-to-steering knuckle pinch nut and bolt, then slightly spread joint and remove lower control arm.
8. Using suitable hub remover/installer, press axle from hub. Wire axle shaft to body to maintain level position. Do not allow axle shaft to move outward. Over extension of the constant velocity (CV) joint could result in separation of internal parts, which could cause CV joint failure.
9. Remove rotor splash shield (if equipped).
10. Remove strut-to-steering knuckle pinch bolt, then spread joint slightly and remove steering knuckle and hub assembly.
11. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Torque strut-to-steering knuckle pinch bolt to 70---95 ft. lbs.
b. Torque lower control arm-to-steering knuckle pinch bolt to 40---55 ft. lbs.
c. Torque stabilizer bar assembly-to-strut to 35---48 ft. lbs.
d. Torque tie rod end attaching nut to 23---36 ft. lbs.
e. Torque strut attaching nuts to 20---30 ft. lbs.
f. With vehicle on ground, torque hub nut to 180---200 ft. lbs.