Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

REMOVAL PROCEDURE





1. Raise the front of the vehicle. Place floor stands under the front lift points.





2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Disconnect the tie rod from the steering knuckle.

NOTICE: Support the caliper with a piece of wire to prevent damage to the brake line.

4. Remove the front brake caliper.
5. Disconnect the nut and bolt that retains the wheel speed sensor harness bracket to the upper control arm.





6. Remove the hub/rotor.
7. Remove the three bolts that attach the splash shield to the steering knuckle.
8. Remove the steering knuckle seal if the knuckle is being replaced. Do not damage the knuckle seal.
9. Separate the upper and the lower ball joint studs from the steering knuckle.

CAUTION: Floor jack must remain under the 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.

10. Position a floor jack under the lower control arm near the ball joint. Raise the jack until the jack just supports the lower control arm.





11. Remove the knuckle.
11.1. Clean the steering knuckle.
11.2. Inspect the steering knuckle tapered hole. If this tapered hole is out-of round, deformed, or damaged, replace the knuckle.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE





1. Install the upper and lower ball joints into the steering knuckle.
2. Install the steering knuckle and seal.





3. Install the splash shield to the steering knuckle.
4. Install the bolts to the splash shield.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 26 Nm (19 ft. lbs.).

NOTICE: Always use the correct fastener in the proper location. When you replace a fastener, use ONLY the exact part number for that application. The manufacturer will call out those fasteners that require a replacement after removal. The manufacturer will also call out the fasteners that require thread lockers or thread sealant. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, do not use supplemental coatings (paints, greases, or other corrosion inhibitors) on threaded fasteners or fastener joint interfaces. Generally, such coatings adversely affect the fastener torque and joint clamping force, and may damage the fastener. When you install fasteners, use the correct tightening sequence and specifications. Following these instructions can help you avoid damage to parts and systems.





5. Install the tie rod end into the knuckle and install the tie rod end retaining nut.
6. Install the hub/rotor.
7. Adjust the wheel bearings.
8. Connect the nut and bolt that retains the wheel speed sensor harness bracket to the upper control arm.
9. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
10. Remove the floor stands.
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Check the front wheel alignment.