Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Wheel Spindle - F-250, F-350





NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.









Removal and Installation

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. They must be replaced with the same part number or an 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.

1. NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the brake disc and wheel hub assembly when removing the wheel spindle to service the ball joints.

If installing a new wheel spindle, remove the brake disc and wheel hub assembly. For additional information, refer to Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub - F-250, F-350 Front Suspension. If the wheel spindle is being removed to service the ball joints, remove the brake pads. For additional information, refer to Front Disc Brake Front Disc Brake.

2. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector and detach the sensor harness from the brake hose.

3. Remove the cotter pin, nut retainer and the tie-rod end nut.
- Discard the cotter pin.

- To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).

4. Using the Pitman Arm Puller, disconnect the tie-rod end.





5. Remove and discard the upper ball joint nut and bolt.
- To install, tighten the new nut to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).

6. NOTICE: Do not allow the camber adjustment sleeve to contact the ball joint seal when installing a sleeve, or damage to the ball joint seal may occur.

NOTE: All vehicles are built by the assembly plant with a non-adjustable camber/caster sleeve. If service adjuster has been installed, mark position before removal.

Remove the existing adjuster sleeve.

7. NOTICE: To prevent damage to the ball joint seal and the ball joint socket, do not use a pickle fork-type remover to loosen the ball joints.

Remove and discard the cotter pin, then loosen, but do not remove, the lower ball joint nut.

8. Strike the lower end of the front axle to free the lower ball joint from the axle.

9. NOTE: Tighten the lower ball joint nut further, if necessary, in order to insert a new cotter pin.

Remove the lower ball joint nut and the front wheel spindle.

- Discard the nut.

- To install, tighten the new nut to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).

10. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

11. NOTE: This step is only necessary if the wheel spindle has been replaced.

Check and, if necessary, align the front end. For additional information, refer to Suspension System - General Information Service and Repair.