Front Suspension
Knuckle/Hub/Wheel Bearing ReplacementExploded View
Front Suspension Knuckle/Hub/Wheel Bearing:
Special Tools Required
^ Ball joint puller 07AAC-SJCA120
^ Ball joint remover, 32 mm 07MAC-SL0A102
^ Ball joint thread protector, 14 mm 071AF-S3VA000
^ Hub dis/assembly tool 07GAF-SD40100
^ Attachment, 72 x 75 mm 07746-0010600
^ Driver 07749-0010000
^ Support base 07965-SD90100
^ Attachment, 96 mm 07948-SB00101
Knuckle/Hub Replacement
1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations.
2. Remove the wheel nuts (A) and front wheel.
3. Remove the brake hose mounting bolt (A).
4. Remove the brake caliper bracket mounting bolts (B), and remove the caliper assembly (C) from the knuckle. To prevent damage to the caliper assembly or brake hose, use a short piece of wire to hang the caliper assembly from the undercarriage. Do not twist the brake hose with force.
5. Remove the wheel sensor (A) from the knuckle (B). Do not disconnect the wheel sensor connector.
6. Raise the stake (A), then remove the spindle nut (B).
7. Remove the brake disc.
8. Check the front hub for damage and cracks.
9. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the tie-rod end ball joint, then remove the nut (B).
NOTE: During installation, install the new cotter pin after tightening the nut, and bend its end as shown.
10. Disconnect the tie-rod ball joint from the knuckle using the ball joint remover.
11. Remove the lock pin (A) from the lower arm ball joint, then remove the nut.
NOTE: During installation, install the new lock pin after tightening the new castle nut.
12. Disconnect the lower ball joint from the knuckle using the ball joint remover.
13. Remove the damper pinch bolts (A) and flange nuts (B) from the damper.
NOTE: During installation, install the new damper pinch bolts and new flange nuts.
14. Remove the driveshaft outboard joint (C) from the knuckle (D) by tapping the driveshaft end (E) with a plastic hammer while drawing the hub outward, then remove the knuckle.
NOTE: Do not pull the driveshaft end outward. The inner driveshaft joint may come apart.
15. Install the knuckle/hub in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
^ Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when installing the knuckle.
^ Tighten all mounting hardware to the specified torque values.
^ Before connecting the lower ball joint to the knuckle, degrease the threaded section and tapered portion of the ball joint pin, the lower arm connecting hole, the threaded section and mating surface of the castle nut.
^ First install all the components and lightly tighten the bolts and nuts, then raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight before fully tightening to the specified torque values.
^ Torque the castle nut to the lower torque specification, then tighten it only far enough to align the slot with the ball joint pin hole. Do not align the castle nut by loosening it.
^ Use a new spindle nut on reassembly.
^ Before installing the spindle nut, apply a small amount of engine oil to the seating surface of the nut. After tightening, use a drift to stake the spindle nut shoulder against the driveshaft.
^ Before installing the brake disc, clean the mating surface of the front hub and the inside of the brake disc.
^ Before installing the wheel, clean the mating surface of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel.
^ Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary.