Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Remove or Disconnect

^ Tools Required:
- J 6627-A Wheel Stud and Tie Rod Remover
- J 24319-B Tie Rod End Puller
- J 23742 Ball Joint Separator

Raise the front of the vehicle and place safety stands under the front lift points. Do not place the floor stands under the lower control arms because spring tension is needed to assist in breaking loose the ball joint studs.

1. Tire and wheel assembly.
2. Brake caliper. Refer to Brakes and Traction Control.

Important: Support caliper with a piece of wire to prevent damage to the brake hose.

3. Rotor. Refer to "Wheel Hub/Rotor, Bearing, and Seal Replacement."





4. Three bolts attaching the splash shield to the knuckle.
5. Nut.





6. Tie rod end from the knuckle using J 6627-A or J 24319-B.
7. Knuckle gasket if the knuckle is to be replaced. Be careful not to damage the knuckle gasket.








8. Ball studs from the knuckle using J 23742. Refer to "Ball Joint Replacement."

CAUTION: Floor jack must remain under control arm spring seat during removal and installation to retain the spring and control arm in position. Failure to do so could result in personal injury.

a. Position a floor jack under the lower control arm near the spring seat. Raise the jack until it just supports the lower control arm.
b. Raise the upper control arm and disengage the ball joint stud from the knuckle.
9. Knuckle from the lower ball joint stud.

Clean
- The steering knuckle.

Inspect
- Steering knuckle tapered hole. If out-of-round deformed, or damaged, the knuckle MUST be replaced.

Install or Connect

^ Tool Required:
- J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer

1. Upper and lower ball joints into the knuckle. Refer to "Ball Joint Replacement."





2. Knuckle gasket.
3. Splash shield to the knuckle.
4. Bolts to the splash shield.
- Tighten bolts to 26 Nm (19 ft. lbs.).
5. Tie rod end into the knuckle using J 29193.
- Tighten J 29193 to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) and remove the tool.
6. Nut.
- Tighten nut to 53 Nm (39 ft. lbs.).
7. Rotor. Refer to Transmission and Drivetrain.
- Adjust the wheel bearing.
8. Tire and wheel assembly.
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Check front alignment.