Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair
- Tools Required- J 23742 Ball Joint Separator
- J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller
- J 6627-A Tie Rod Puller
- J 29193 Steering Linkage Installer
Removal Procedure
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.
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
- Support the lower control arm with floor stands.
- Place floor stands under the lower control arms as far outboard as possible (between spring seats and ball joint) to maintain maximum leverage.
2. Remove the rotor. Refer to Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (RWD Pickup) or Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (4WD Pickup and Utilities).
3. Remove the bolts that attach the splash shield to the steering knuckle.
4. Remove the cotter pin.
5. Remove the tie rod end stud nut.
6. Disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle using J 6627-A.
7. Remove the lower ball joint stud from the steering knuckle using J 23742.
8. Remove the upper ball joint stud from the steering knuckle using J23742.
9. Raise the upper control arm. Disengage the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle.
10. Remove the steering knuckle from the lower ball joint stud.
10.1. Clean the steering knuckle.
10.2. Inspect the steering knuckle tapered hole. Replace the steering knuckle if this tapered hole is out-of-round, deformed, or damaged.
Installation Procedure
1. Install the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle. Refer to Upper Ball Joint Replacement (RWD) or Upper Ball Joint Replacement (4WD).
2. Install the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Ball Joint Replacement (RWD) or Lower Ball Joint Replacement (4WD).
3. Install the splash shield to the steering knuckle.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
4. Install the splash shield bolts.
- Tighten the splash shield bolts to 26 Nm (19 ft. lbs.).
5. Install the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Ensure that the seal is on the stud.
6. Seat the taper using J 29193.
7. Tighten J 29193 to 54 Nm (40 ft. lbs.).
8. Remove J 29193 from the tie rod end ball stud.
9. Install the tie rod end retaining nut.
- Tighten the tie rod end retaining nut to 53 Nm (39 ft. lbs.).
10. Install the rotor. Refer to Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (RWD Pickup) or Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement (4WD Pickup and Utilities).
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.