Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Knuckle: Removal and Installation










Removal

1) Remove wheel and tire from vehicle using power tool.
2) Remove the engine under cover using power tool.
3) Without disassembling the hydraulic lines, remove brake caliper using power tool. Reposition it aside with wire. Refer to [Front Brake Caliper and Disc Rotor: Removal and Installation] Front Brake Caliper and Disc Rotor.

NOTE:
Avoid depressing brake pedal while brake caliper is removed.

4) Put alignment marks on disc rotor and wheel hub and bearing assembly, then remove disc rotor.





5) Disconnect wheel sensor and remove bracket from steering knuckle.

CAUTION:
Do not pull on wheel sensor harness.

6) On 4WD models, remove cotter pin, then remove lock nut from drive shaft using power tool. Refer to [Drive Shaft: Removal and Installation] .
7) Remove steering outer socket cotter pin at steering knuckle, then loosen mounting nut using power tool. Refer to [Power Steering Gear and Linkage: Removal and Installation] Removal and Replacement.
8) Disconnect steering outer socket from steering knuckle using Tool. Be careful not to damage ball joint boot.











CAUTION:
To prevent damage to threads and to prevent Tool from coming off suddenly, temporarily tighten nut.

9) Remove wheel hub and bearing assembly bolts using power tool.
10) Remove splash guard and wheel hub and bearing assembly from steering knuckle.

CAUTION:
Do not pull on wheel sensor harness.

11) Remove cotter pin and nut from upper link ball joint.
12) Separate upper link ball joint from steering knuckle using Tool.











13) Remove pinch bolt from steering knuckle using power tool, then separate lower link ball joint from steering knuckle.





14) Remove steering knuckle from vehicle.

Inspection after Removal

Check for deformity, cracks and damage on each part, replace if necessary.

- Perform ball joint inspection. Refer to [Upper Ball Joint and Lower Ball Joint: Inspection] Testing and Inspection.

Installation

Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

- For 4WD models, refer to [Drive Shaft: Removal and Installation] for drive shaft lock nut tightening torque.

CAUTION:
Always replace drive shaft lock nut and cotter pin.

- Refer to [Steering Gear and Linkage: Disassembly and Assembly] Overhaul for outer socket nut tightening torque.
- Refer to [Front Suspension Assembly: Component] Front Suspension Assembly Component for front suspension tightening torques.
- When installing disc rotor on wheel hub and bearing assembly, align the marks.






NOTE:
When not using the alignment mark, refer to [Service Data and Specifications] Front Brakes.

- When installing wheel and tire, refer to [Wheel and Tire Assembly: Adjustment] Service and Repair.
- Perform wheel alignment. Refer to [Front Wheel Alignment: On-Vehicle Service] Service and Repair.