Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Wheel Knuckle













Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is 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.

1. Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires.

2. NOTE: Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.

NOTE: Do not discard the wheel hub nut and washer at this time.

Remove the wheel hub nut and washer and the halfshaft hub seal.

- Discard the seal.

3. Remove the wheel speed sensor bolt and position the wheel speed sensor aside.

4. NOTICE: Do not allow the caliper and anchor plate assembly to hang from the brake hose or damage to the hose can occur.

Remove the 2 bolts and position the caliper and anchor plate assembly aside.

- Support the caliper and anchor plate assembly using mechanic's wire.

5. Remove the brake disc.

6. Using the Front Hub Remover, separate the halfshaft from the wheel hub.





7. Remove and discard the tie-rod end cotter pin and nut.

8. NOTICE: Do not use a hammer to separate the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle can result.

Using the Tie-Rod End Remover, separate the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.





9. Remove the shock absorber lower nuts and flag bolts.
- Discard the nuts and flag bolts.

10. Remove the lower ball joint bolt, nut and the wheel knuckle.
- Discard the bolt and nut.

Installation

1. Position the wheel knuckle and install the new lower ball joint bolt and nut.
- Tighten the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).

2. Install the new shock absorber lower nuts and flag bolts.
- Tighten to 225 Nm (166 lb-ft).

3. Position the tie-rod end and install the new nut and cotter pin.
- Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).

4. Position the wheel speed sensor and install the bolt.
- Tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).

5. Install the brake disc.

6. Position the brake caliper and anchor plate assembly and install the 2 bolts.
- Tighten to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).

7. NOTICE: Do not tighten the front wheel hub nut with the vehicle on the ground. The nut must be tightened to specification before the vehicle is lowered onto the wheels. Wheel bearing damage will occur if the bearing is loaded with the weight of the vehicle applied.

NOTE: Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.

Position the halfshaft in the hub and use the previously removed wheel hub nut and washer to seat the halfshaft.

- Tighten to 350 Nm (258 lb-ft).

- Remove and discard the wheel hub nut and washer.

8. NOTICE: The wheel hub nut contains a one-time locking chemical that is activated by the heat created when it is tightened. Install and tighten the new wheel hub nut to specification within 5 minutes of starting it on the threads. Always install a new wheel hub nut after loosening or when not tightening within the specified time or damage to the components may occur.

NOTE: Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.

Install a new wheel hub nut and washer.

- Tighten to 350 Nm (258 lb-ft).

9. Install the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires.

10. Check and, if necessary, align the front end. For additional information, refer to Suspension &/or Alignment.