Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Removal Procedure

Tools Required
- J 24319-B Tie Rod End Puller
- J 23742 Ball Joint Separator

Important: Do not place safety stands under the lower control arms because the vehicle may slip off of the stands during steering knuckle removal.

1. Raise the vehicle.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.

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

3. Remove the brake caliper.
4. Remove the rotor/hub assembly.





5. Remove the splash shield.
6. Disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.





7. Remove the knuckle gasket only if the knuckle is being repaired or replaced.





8. Remove the cotter pins and the nut from the upper ball and the nut from the lower ball joint.

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





9. Remove the upper ball joint stud from the knuckle.
9.1. Position a floor jack under the lower control arm near the spring seat. Raise the jack until the jack just supports the lower control arm.
9.2. Use the J 23742 in order to break the upper ball joint free of the steering knuckle.
9.3. Raise the upper control arm in order to disengage the upper ball joint from the knuckle.





10. Disconnect the steering knuckle from the lower ball joint.
10.1. Use the J 23742 in order to break the lower ball joint free from the steering knuckle.
10.2. Lift the steering knuckle off of the lower ball joint.
11. Clean the steering knuckle with solvent, then air dry.
12. Inspect the steering knuckle tapered holes that attach to the ball joints and the tie rod end. Replace the steering knuckle if any of the three holes are out-of-round, deformed, or damaged.
13. Inspect the spindle for wear or damage.

Installation Procedure





1. Connect the steering knuckle to the lower ball joint. Press the steering knuckle onto the lower ball joint until the ball joint is fully seated.
2. Connect the steering knuckle to the upper ball joint. Lower the upper control arm in order to seat the upper ball joint into the steering knuckle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

3. Install the ball joint nuts.
Tighten:
- Tighten the upper nut to 83 Nm (61 ft. lbs.).
- Tighten the lower nut to 125 Nm (90 ft. lbs.).
4. Install new cotter pins. Tighten the ball joint nuts up to an additional 1/6 amount to insert the cotter pin through the nuts in the upper and lower ball joints. Bend the cotter pin flat against the nut.
5. Remove the floor jack.
6. Install the knuckle gasket.
7. Connect the tie rod end to the steering knuckle.





8. Install the splash shield and the bolts.
Tighten the bolts to 14 Nm (124 inch lbs.).
9. Install the rotor/hub assembly.
10. Install the brake caliper.
11. Adjust the wheel bearings.
12. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Check the front wheel alignment.