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 Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the tire and wheel.
3. Unload the torsion bars. Refer to Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement .
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 J 24319-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 .

4. Install the lower ball joint retaining nut.

Tighten the retaining nut to 100 N.m (74 lb ft).




5. Install the upper ball joint retaining nut.

Tighten the retaining nut to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).




6. Install the brake hose bracket to steering knuckle retaining bolt.

Tighten the retaining bolt to 10 N.m (88 lb in).




7. Connect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle.
8. Install the outer tie rod retaining nut.

Tighten the retaining nut to 63 N.m (47 lb in).

9. Install the wheel hub and bearing.
10. Install the wheel drive shaft.
11. Install the tire and wheel.
12. Load the torsion bars. Refer to Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement .
13. Lower the vehicle .
14. Align the vehicle. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment .