Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Special Tools:

Removal
1. Place the steering column in the unlocked position.





2. WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning off the air suspension switch located in the RH kick panel area. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the rear air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.

Turn the air suspension service switch off.
3. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
4. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
5. Remove the brake disc.





6. CAUTION: Discard the front axle wheel hub retainer. It is a torque prevailing design and cannot be reused.

Remove the front axle wheel hub retainer.





7. If equipped, disconnect the air suspension height sensor from the front air suspension sensor pin.





8. Remove and discard the cotter pin.





9. Remove and discard the nut.





10. Using the Tie Rod End Remover, remove the tie rod end from the front wheel knuckle.





11. Remove and discard the front suspension lower arm-to-ball joint nut.





12. CAUTION: Do not allow the front wheel driveshaft joint to move outward. Over extension of the front wheel driveshaft joint will result in separation of the driveshaft internal parts, causing failure of the joint.

Note: Make sure the steering column is in the unlocked position, and do not use a hammer to separate the ball joint from the front suspension lower arm. Use extreme care not to damage the boot seal.

Using a suitable puller, separate the ball joint from the front suspension lower arm.





13. Note: Secure the front wheel driveshaft joint to the vehicle body to maintain a level position.

Using the front Hub Remover/Replacer and the stud adapters, press the front wheel driveshaft joint out of the wheel hub.





14. Remove the pinch bolt and nut from the front wheel knuckle.
15. Remove the front wheel knuckle from the front shock absorber.
16. Remove the brake disc shield from the front wheel knuckle if required.

Installation
1. If removed, install the brake disc shield onto the front wheel knuckle.





2. Position the front wheel knuckle onto the front shock absorber and install a new pinch bolt and nut hand-tight into the front wheel knuckle.
3. Install the front wheel driveshaft joint into the wheel hub.





4. Install a new front axle wheel hub retainer.





5. Position the lower ball joint into the front suspension lower arm and install a new front suspension lower arm-to-ball joint nut.





6. Tighten the front shock absorber to front wheel knuckle pinch bolt.
7. Install the brake disc.





8. Note: Place the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position prior to installing the tie rod end.

Position the tie rod end into the front wheel knuckle and install a new nut.





9. Install a new cotter pin.





10. If equipped, connect the air suspension height sensor to the front air suspension sensor pin.

11. Note: Prior to installing the tire and wheel assembly, inspect the front wheel driveshaft joint to make sure it is fully inserted into the transaxle. Visually inspect the seal at the transaxle. Some polishing is normal due to axial runout. Failure to fully install the front wheel driveshaft joint will cause premature failure of the front wheel driveshaft joint or the transaxle.

Install the tire and wheel assembly.
12. Lower the vehicle.





13. Turn the air suspension service switch on.