Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Steering Knuckle Replacement (4WD)

^ Tools Required
- J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
- J 43631 Ball Joint Separator Tool

Removal Procedure





1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel.
3. Remove the wheel hub and bearing.
4. Remove the cotter pin from the outer tie rod retaining nut.
5. Remove the outer tie rod retaining nut.
6. Remove the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle using J24319-B.





7. Remove the wheel speed sensor wiring harness bracket and brake hose bracket mounting bolts and nuts from the upper control arm.
8. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor wiring harness bracket and brake hose bracket from the upper control arm.





9. Remove the cotter pin from the upper ball joint retaining nut.
10. Remove the upper ball joint retaining nut.
11. Using a pry bar, placed under the upper control arm and on top of the frame, pry upward.
12. With the aid of a helper, carefully hammer on the steering knuckle in the area of the upper ball joint stud in order to release the stud from the steering knuckle.
13. Remove the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle.
14. Remove the cotter pin from the lower joint retaining nut.
15. Remove the lower ball joint retaining nut.
16. Disconnect the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle using J43631.





17. Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.
18. Remove the steering knuckle seal.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the steering knuckle seal.
2. Install the steering knuckle to the upper and lower ball joints ball studs.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





3. Install the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle retaining nut.
^ Tighten the lower ball joint to steering knuckle retaining nut to 108 Nm (79 ft. lbs.).
^ Tighten the lower ball joint retaining nut in order to align the cotter pin. Do not tighten the lower ball joint retaining nut more than 1/6 turn.
4. Install a new cotter pin to the lower ball joint retaining nut. Bend the pin ends against the nut.
5. Install the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle retaining nut.
^ Tighten the upper ball joint retaining nut to 83 Nm (61 ft. lbs.).
^ Tighten the upper ball joint retaining nut in order to align the cotter pin. Do not tighten the upper ball joint retaining nut more than 1/6 turn.
6. Install a new cotter pin to the upper ball joint stud. Bend the pin ends against the nut.





7. Install the wheel speed sensor and the brake hose bracket to the upper control arm.
8. Install the wheel speed sensor and the brake hose bracket to the upper control arm mounting bolts and nuts.
^ Tighten the wheel speed sensor and brake hose bracket to the upper control arm nuts to 24 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).





9. Install the tie rod end ball stud to the steering knuckle.
10. Install the outer tie rod ball retaining nut.
^ Tighten the outer tie rod ball retaining nut to 53 Nm (39 ft. lbs.).
11. Install a new cotter pin to the outer tie rod retaining nut. Bend the pin ends against the nut flats.
12. Install the wheel hub and bearing.
13. Check the front wheel alignment.