Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Removal

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect the performance of vital components 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 new 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 hub and bearing.





2. NOTE: To remove the nut, first loosen the nut, then use the hex holding feature to prevent the tie-rod end ball joint from turning while removing the nut.

Remove the nut and disconnect the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle. Discard the nut.





3. CAUTION: Support the weight of the knuckle with a jack stand after disconnecting the lower control arm, or damage to the upper control arm can result.

NOTE: To remove the nut, first loosen the nut, then use the hex holding feature to prevent the lower control arm ball joint from turning while removing the nut.

NOTE: Make sure not to lose the tapered washer from the ball joint.

Remove the nut and disconnect the suspension lower arm from the knuckle. Discard the nut.





4. NOTE: To remove the nut, first loosen the nut, then use the hex holding feature to prevent the upper control arm ball joint from turning while removing the nut.

NOTE: Make sure not to lose the tapered washer from the ball joint.

Remove the nut and the knuckle. Discard the nut.

Installation





1. CAUTION: Support the weight of the knuckle with a jack stand while connecting the knuckle to the upper control arm or damage to the upper control arm can result.

NOTE: The upper arm-to-knuckle nut, lower arm-to-knuckle nut and the tie-rod-to-knuckle nut are of a torque prevailing design. New nuts must be installed.

NOTE: To install the nuts, first install the nut using the hex holding feature until snug. Final tighten using a socket and a torque wrench. If the lower ball joint stud turns during final tighten, use a crow's foot wrench while using the hex holding feature to final tighten the lower arm-to-knuckle nut.

NOTE: Make sure the tapered washer is installed on the ball joints before connecting the upper and lower control arms to the knuckle.








To install, reverse the removal procedure.