Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Special Tools:

Removal

1. CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. They must be exchanged with the same part number or an equivalent part if an exchange is necessary. Do not use an alternative of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as Specified during reassembly to make sure these parts are properly retained.

CAUTION: A new wheel hub retainer must be install, if it is loosened or removed. Failure to install a new retainer after removal can result in loss of the front wheel or damage to the hub-and bearing assembly.

Note: Make sure the steering wheel is in the unlocked position.

Remove and discard the front wheel hub retainer.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
3. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
4. Remove the front brake disc.





5. Remove the ABS sensor.
^ Remove the ABS sensor retaining bolt.
^ Remove the ABS sensor harness retaining bolt.
^ Remove the ABS sensor and position out of the way.





6. Remove and discard the tie-rod end cotter pin and the castellated nut.





7. Using the special tool, remove the tie-rod end.





8. Remove and discard the front stabilizer bar link retaining nut.





9. Remove and discard the ball joint pinch bolt and nut.

10. CAUTION: Do not allow the halfshaft to move outboard. Over-extension of the tripod CV joint could result in separation of internal parts, causing failure of the halfshaft.





Using a pry bar between the front subframe and the front suspension lower arm, push down until the lower ball joint is free of the front wheel knuckle.





11. Using the special tools, remove the front driveshaft and joint from the wheel hub by pushing out the driveshaft until it is free of the wheel hub and bearing assembly.





12. Remove the front wheel knuckle.
^ Remove and discard the strut and spring pinch bolt.
^ Remove the front wheel knuckle.

13. Note: The wheel hub is a slip-fit design and should not require a puller to remove.





Remove and discard the three wheel hub retaining bolts and remove the wheel hub.

Installation























1. Using new fasteners, follow the removal procedure in reverse order.