Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Steering Knuckle Replacement

- Tools Required
- J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
- J 23742 Ball Joint Separator

Removal Procedure





1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.

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.

2. Support the lower control arm with a safety stand.
3. Remove the tire and wheel.
4. Remove the wheel hub and bearing assembly.





5. Remove the outer tie rod to steering knuckle retaining nut.





6. Disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle using J 24319-B.





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





8. Remove the upper and lower control arms cotter pins and the retaining nuts.





9. Remove the upper ball joint stud from the steering knuckle using J 23742.
10. Raise the upper control arm. Disengage the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle.





11. Disconnect the steering knuckle from the lower ball joint using J 23742.
12. Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.
13. Clean the steering knuckle with solvent, then air dry.
14. Inspect the steering knuckle tapered holes that attach to the ball joints and the outer tie rod. Replace the steering knuckle if any of the 3 holes are out-of-round, deformed, or damaged.
15. 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 lower 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 upper and lower ball joint retaining nuts.
- Tighten the upper ball joint retaining nut to 83 Nm (61 ft. lbs.).
- Tighten the lower ball joint retaining nut to 125 Nm (90 ft. lbs.).
4. Install new cotter pins. Tighten the upper and lower ball joint nuts up to an additional 1/6 amount to insert the cotter pin through the nuts. Bend the cotter pin flat against the nut.
5. Install the steering knuckle gasket, if necessary.





6. Connect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle.
7. Install the outer tie rod retaining nut.
- Tighten the outer tie rod retaining nut to 47 Nm (35 ft. lbs.).
8. Install the rotor/hub assembly.
9. Install the tire and wheel.
10. Remove the safety stand from the lower control arm.
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Check the front wheel alignment.