Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Steering Knuckle Replacement

- Tools Required
- J43828 Ball Joint Separator
- J24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
- J28733-B Front/Rear Spindle Remover

Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.





2. Remove the tire and wheel.
3. Insert drift of screwdriver into the caliper and rotor in order to prevent rotor from turning.
4. Remove the drive axle nut.
5. Remove the brake rotor.





6. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.





7. Remove the wheel bearing and hub retaining bolts.
8. Use the J28733-B in order to remove the hub and drive axle.
9. Use the J24319-B in order to separate the tie rod from the steering knuckle.
10. Remove the dust shield.
11. Remove the front strut to steering knuckle retaining bolts.





12. Use the J 43828 in order to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
13. Remove the steering knuckle.

Installation Procedure
1. Install the steering knuckle.
2. Install the lower ball joint into the steering knuckle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





3. Install the lower ball joint retaining nut and cotter pin.
Tighten the tie rod end to knuckle nut to 10 Nm (88 inch lbs.) plus an additional 180 degrees-300 degrees (3-5 flats). For cotter pin alignment, tighten the nut up to, but do not exceed 60 degrees additional rotation. Do not back off nut for cotter pin alignment.





4. Install the outer tie rod (1) to the steering knuckle (2).
5. Install the outer tie rod retaining nut.
Tighten the outer tie rod retaining nut to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).





6. Install dust shield.
7. Install the hub and bearing to the steering knuckle/drive axle.
8. Install the hub and bearing retaining bolts.
Tighten the hub and bearing bolts to 95 Nm (70 ft. lbs.).





9. Connect the wheel speed sensor connector to the wheel speed sensor.





10. Install the rotor.
11. Install the caliper support bracket /caliper assembly.
12. Install the drive axle nut by inserting drift or screwdriver into the caliper and rotor in order to prevent rotor from turning.
Tighten the drive axle nut to 145 Nm (107 ft. lbs.).
13. Install the tire and wheel.