Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

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

1. Raise the front of the vehicle.
2. Place safety stands under the front lift points.
^ Do not place floor stands under the lower control arms because you need to retain spring tension in order to help break the ball joint studs loose.
3. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.

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

4. Remove the brake caliper. Remove the rotor.





5. Remove the bolts that attach the splash shield to the knuckle.
6. Remove the nut.





7. Disconnect the tie rod end from the knuckle using the J 6627A.





8. Remove the knuckle gasket if the knuckle is to be replaced. Do not damage the knuckle gasket.





9. Remove the lower ball joint stud using the J 23742.

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. Remove the upper ball joint stud from the knuckle using the J 23742.
10.1. Position a floor jack under the lower control arm near the spring seat. Raise the jack until the jack supports the control arm.
10.2. Raise the upper control arm. Disengage the ball joint stud from the knuckle.
11. Remove the knuckle from the lower ball joint stud.
11.1. Clean the steering knuckle.
11.2. inspect the steering knuckle tapered hole. Replace the knuckle if this tapered hole is out-of-round, deformed, or damaged.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
^ Tools Required:
- J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer

1. Install the upper bail joint into the knuckle.
2. Install the lower ball joint into the knuckle.





3. Install the knuckle gasket.





4. Install the splash shield to the knuckle.

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

6. Install the tie rod end into the knuckle using the J 29193.
^ Tighten the J 29193.

7. Remove the tool.
8. Install the nut.
^ Tighten the nut to 53 Nm (39 ft. lbs.).

9. Install the rotor.
10. Adjust the wheel bearings.
11. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Check the front wheel alignment.