Rear Knuckle: Service and Repair
Wheel KnuckleSpecial Tool(s):
Removal
CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital parts and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation becomes 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.
CAUTION: Orientation of the suspension fasteners is important. Make sure the fasteners are installed in the same direction as they were in when removed.
1. Measure the distance from the center of the hub to the lip of the fender with the vehicle in a level, static ground position (curb height).
2. If equipped, remove the wheel speed sensor bolt and position the sensor aside.
3. CAUTION: Do not loosen the halfshaft nut and washer until the wheel and tire are removed from the vehicle. Wheel bearing damage will occur if the wheel bearing is unloaded with the weight of the vehicle applied.
NOTE: Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.
Remove and discard the front wheel hub nut.
4. Remove the parking brake shoes.
5. CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the halfshaft from the hub. Damage to the threads and internal constant velocity (CV) joint components can result.
Using the special tool, press the halfshaft from the hub.
6. Position a suitable jack under the wheel knuckle and raise the suspension until the distance between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to the measurement taken in Step 1.
7. Remove and discard the toe link outboard nut and bolt.
8. Remove and discard the upper arm outboard nut and bolt.
9. Remove and discard the lower arm outboard nut and bolt.
10. Remove and discard the 3 wheel knuckle bolts and remove the wheel knuckle.
11. If a new wheel knuckle is being installed, remove the wheel bearing and wheel hub.
Installation
1. Position the wheel knuckle and install 3 new wheel knuckle bolts.
^ Tighten to 275 Nm (203 ft. lbs.)
2. Install a new lower arm outboard bolt and flag nut.
^ Tighten to 275 Nm (203 ft. lbs.)
3. CAUTION: The upper arm outboard bolt must be installed with the bolt head toward the front of the vehicle or wheel damage can occur.
Install a new upper arm outboard bolt and nut with the bolt head toward the front of the vehicle.
^ Tighten to 275 Nm (203 ft. lbs.)
4. Position the toe link and install a new toe link outboard bolt and nut.
^ Tighten to 350 Nm (259 ft. lbs.)
5. Lower the suspension and remove the jack.
6. Install the parking brake shoes.
7. Position the wheel speed sensor and install the bolt.
^ Tighten to 8 Nm (71 inch lbs.)
8. Using a suitable halfshaft installer tool, install the halfshaft.
9. NOTE: Have an assistant press the brake pedal to keep the axle from turning.
Install a new halfshaft nut and washer.
^ Tighten to 275 Nm (203 ft. lbs.)