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 Remover
- J 45851 Ball Joint Separator Protector Adapters

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel.
3. Unload the torsion bars.
4. Remove the wheel drive shaft.
5. Remove the wheel hub and bearing.





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





7. Disconnect the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle using J24319-B.





8. Remove the brake hose bracket retaining bolt from the steering knuckle.





9. Remove the upper ball joint retaining nut.





10. Disconnect the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 43631 and J 45851.





11. Remove the lower control arm retaining nut.





12. Disconnect the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle using the J 43631 and J 45851.





13. Remove the steering knuckle.

Installation Procedure





1. Clean all grease and contaminants from the tapered section and the threads of the upper ball joint, the lower ball joint, and the tie rod end.
2. Clean and inspect the taper holes and the mounting surfaces of the steering knuckle. If any of the tapered holes are elongated, out of round, or damaged, replace the steering knuckle.
3. Install the steering knuckle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





4. Install the lower ball joint retaining nut.
- Tighten the retaining nut to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.).





5. Install the upper ball joint retaining nut.
- Tighten the retaining nut to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).





6. Install the brake hose bracket to steering knuckle retaining bolt.
Tighten the retaining bolt to 10 Nm (88 inch lbs.).





7. Connect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle.
8. Install the outer tie rod retaining nut.
- Tighten the retaining nut to 63 Nm (47 inch lbs.).
9. Install the wheel hub and bearing.
10. Install the wheel drive shaft.
11. Install the tire and wheel.
12. Load the torsion bars.
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Align the vehicle.