Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Steering Knuckle Replacement

^ Tools Required
- J 43828 Ball Joint Remover
- J 44015 Steering Linkage Installer
- SA9110OC Tie Rod Separator
- SA9140E Torque Angle Gage

Removal Procedure





1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the tire and wheel.

Important: Do not allow the stabilizer link ball stud to rotate while removing the link nut.

3. Disconnect the stabilizer link from the strut assembly.





4. Loosen the steering knuckle to strut bolts and nuts.





5. Remove the wheel bearing/hub assembly.





6. Remove and discard the lower ball joint cotter pin.
7. Loosen the ball stud nut, until level with the top of the ball stud.





8. Using the J 43828, separate the lower control arm from the steering knuckle.
9. Remove the lower control arm and nut from the steering knuckle.





10. Remove the outer tie rod end to knuckle nut.
11. Using the SA91 100C, separate the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle.





12. Remove the steering knuckle to strut bolts and nuts. Discard the bolts and nuts.
13. Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the steering knuckle to strut assembly.
2. Loosely install the strut to steering knuckle bolts and nuts.





3. Install the control arm ball stud into the steering knuckle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

4. Using the SA9140E, install the ball stud nut.
^ Tighten the nut to 60 Nm (44 ft lbs) for a ball stud with silver cup bottom or 40 Nm (30 ft lbs) for a ball stud with black cup bottom..
5. Tighten the strut to steering knuckle bolts and nuts.
^ Tighten the bolts and nuts to 180 Nm (133 ft. lbs.).

Important: Do not loosen the castle nut for cotter pin installation.

6. Tighten the castle nut enough to allow for cotter pin installation.

Important: The cotter pin must not contact the wheel speed sensor or drive axle.

7. Install the cotter pin.





8. Install the wheel bearing/hub assembly.





9. Connect the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle.
10. Use the J 44015 to seat the ball stud taper to 40 Nm (30 ft. lbs.).
11. Remove the J 44015.





12. Install a new tie rod retention nut.
^ Tighten the nut to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).





Important: Do not allow the stabilizer link ball stud to rotate while installing the link nut.

13. Connect the stabilizer link to the strut assembly.
^ Tighten the nut to 65 Nm (48 ft. lbs.).
14. Install the tire and wheel.
15. Lower the vehicle.
16. Perform a wheel alignment.