Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Steering Knuckle Replacement


Special Tools
* J 42188 Ball Joint Separator
* J 43631 Ball Joint Remover
* J 45851 Ball Joint Separator Protector Adaptor



Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Maintenance) .
2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair) .
3. Support the lower control arm.
4. Remove the wheel hub and bearing assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (Service and Repair) .
5. Disconnect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement (Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement) .
6. Remove the brake hose bracket retaining bolt from the steering knuckle.




7. Remove the upper control arm retaining nut and separate the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 42188 .




8. Remove the lower control arm retaining nut. Separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle (2) using the J 43631 and the J 45851 (1).




9. Remove the steering knuckle.



Installation Procedure

1. Clean all grease and contaminants from the tapered section and the threads of the upper ball joint, the lower ball joint, and the tie rod end.
2. Clean and inspect the taper holes and the mounting surfaces of the steering knuckle. If any of the tapered holes are elongated, out of round, or damaged, replace the steering knuckle.




3. Install the steering knuckle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice (Fastener Notice) .

4. Connect the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle and install the NEW retaining nut.

Tighten the nut to 50 N.m plus 90 degrees (37 lb ft) plus 90 degrees.

5. Connect the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle and install the NEW retaining nut.

Tighten the nut to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).

6. Install the brake hose and the bracket retaining bolt to the steering knuckle

Tighten the bolt to 9 N.m (80 lb in).

7. Connect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement (Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement) .
8. Install the wheel hub and bearing assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (Service and Repair) .
9. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair) .
10. Remove the lower control arm support .
11. Lower the vehicle .
12. Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications (Wheel Alignment Specifications) .