Front Steering Knuckle - Removal

REMOVAL

NOTE: Before proceeding, review all Warnings and Cautions. Front Suspension

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Service and Repair




2. Remove the wheel mounting nuts (3), then the tire and wheel assembly (1).




3. Remove the cotter pin (1), lock nut (7) and spring washer (2) from the hub nut (3).
4. While a helper applies the brakes to keep the hub from rotating, remove the hub nut (3) and washer (6) from the axle half shaft (5).
5. Access and remove the front brake rotor. Brake Rotor - Removal




6. Remove the screw (5) fastening the wheel speed sensor (1) to the knuckle (4). Pull the sensor head with heat shield (2) out of the knuckle.




7. Remove the nut (2) attaching the outer tie rod (1) to the knuckle (3). To do this, hold the tie rod end stud with a wrench while loosening and removing the nut with a standard wrench or crowfoot wrench.




8. Release the tie rod end (1) from the knuckle (2) using Remover (3), Special Tool MB991113.




9. Remove the outer tie rod (1) and heat shield (4) from the knuckle (3).




10. Remove the nut (2) and pinch bolt (4) clamping the ball joint stud (3) to the knuckle (1).




CAUTION: The strut assembly-to-knuckle attaching bolts (2) are serrated and must not be turned during removal. Proper removal is required. Refer to the following steps for the correct method.

11. While holding the bolt heads stationary, remove the two nuts (5) from the bolts (2) attaching the strut (1) to the knuckle (4).
12. Remove the two bolts (2) attaching the strut (1) to the knuckle (4) using a pin punch.




CAUTION: Use care when separating the ball joint stud (4) from the knuckle (1), so the ball joint seal does not get cut.

13. Using an appropriate prying tool (2), separate the ball joint stud (4) from the knuckle (1) by prying down on lower control arm (3) and up against the ball joint boss on the knuckle.




NOTE: Do not allow the halfshaft (3) to hang by the inner C/V joint; it must be supported to keep the joint from separating during this operation.

14. Pull the knuckle (4) off the halfshaft (3) outer C/V joint splines and remove the knuckle from the vehicle.

NOTE: The cartridge type front wheel bearing used on this vehicle is not transferable to the replacement steering knuckle. If the replacement steering knuckle does not come with a wheel bearing, a new bearing must be installed in the steering knuckle. Installation of the new wheel bearing and hub must be done before installing the steering knuckle on the vehicle.

15. If the wheel bearing and hub require removal, Disassembly - Wheel Bearing and Hub. Do not reuse the wheel bearing.