Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Removal Procedure

Tools Required
- J 23742 Ball Joint Separator





1. Raise the front of the vehicle.
- Place safety stands under the front lift points.
- Do not place floor stands under the lower control arms because spring tension is needed to assist in breaking loose the ball joint studs.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Single Front or Rear Wheels) in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.

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

3. Remove the brake caliper.
4. Remove the hub/rotor assembly. Refer to Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (RWD-All Except C3500HD).
5. Remove the three bolts that attach the splash shield to the knuckle.





6. Remove the knuckle seal if the knuckle is to be replaced. Do not damage the knuckle seal.





7. Remove the lower ball joint stud from the knuckle using the J 23742.





8. Remove the upper ball joint stud from the knuckle using the J23742.

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. 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.
- Raise the upper control arm. Disengage the ball joint stud from the knuckle.
10. Remove the knuckle from the lower ball joint stud.
10.1. Clean the steering knuckle.
10.2. 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 ball joint into the knuckle. Refer to Upper Ball Joint Replacement (RWD).
2. Install the lower ball joint into the knuckle. Refer to Lower Ball Joint Replacement (S4WD).
3. Install the knuckle seal.





4. Install the splash shield to the knuckle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

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.
7. Install the hub/rotor assembly. Refer to Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (RWD-All Except C3500HD).
8. Adjust the wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearing Adjustment (RWD-All Except C3500HD).
9. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Single Front or Rear Wheels) in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
10. Remove the floor stands.
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment in Wheel Alignment.