Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

WHEEL KNUCKLE-2WD

Removal

Note:
^ When a new wheel knuckle is installed, a new wheel bearing must also be installed.

1. Remove the brake shoes.





Caution:
^ Anti-seize compound must be applied to halfshaft before removing nut to avoid damaging halfshaft.

Note:
^ If equipped, remove the ABS sensor ring.

2. Remove the wheel hub nut and discard.





3. Using the special tools, remove the wheel hub.





Note:
^ This step may not be necessary if the inner wheel bearing race remains in the wheel knuckle, after removing the wheel hub.

4. Using the special tool, press the inner wheel bearing race from the wheel hub.





5. Remove the snap ring.

Vehicles with ABS





6. Position the anti-lock brake sensor (ABS) aside.
1. Remove the ABS sensor bolt and bracket bolts.
2. Position the ABS sensor aside.





7. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the brake backing plate.
^ Remove the parking brake cable bolt from the wheel knuckle.





8. Disconnect the brake line from the wheel cylinder.
^ Remove the brake line bracket bolt.
9. Support the wheel knuckle.





10. Remove the lower shock absorber nut.





Note:
^ It may be necessary to hold the ball joint stud to keep it from turning while removing the nut.

11. Separate the lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
1. Remove the nut.
2. Separate the lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle.





Note:
^ It may be necessary to hold the ball joint stud to keep it from turning while removing the nut.

12. Separate the upper ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
1. Remove the nut.
2. Separate the upper ball joint from the wheel knuckle.





Note:
^ Note the position of the spring insulator and spring for installation.

13. Remove the spring.
^ Lower the support to the wheel knuckle.





14. Remove the wheel knuckle cam bolt and nut.
1. Mark the position of the adjustment cam notch.
2. Remove the wheel knuckle cam bolt and nut.





15. Remove the wheel knuckle.
1. Remove the wheel knuckle cam.
2. Remove the wheel knuckle.





16. Remove the brake backing plate from the wheel knuckle.
1. Remove the bolts.
2. Remove the brake backing plate from the wheel knuckle.

Installation





1. Using the special tools, install a new wheel bearing into the wheel knuckle.





2. Install the snap ring into the wheel knuckle.





3. Position the brake backing plate to the wheel knuckle and install the bolts.





4. Using the wheel hub washer and the special tool, install the wheel hub into the wheel bearing.





Note:
^ If equipped, install the ABS sensor ring.

5. Install a new wheel hub nut.





6. Position the wheel knuckle and install the wheel knuckle cam.





7. Install the wheel knuckle cam bolt and nut loosely.





8. Support the wheel knuckle and install the spring.





9. Install the lower shock absorber nut.





10. Position the upper ball joint and install the nut.





11. Position the lower ball joint and install the nut.





12. Tighten the wheel knuckle cam bolt and nut.
1. Align the wheel knuckle cam.
2. Tighten the wheel knuckle cam bolt and nut.





13. Connect the brake line to the wheel cylinder.
^ Install the brake line bracket bolt.





14. Install the parking brake cable.
1. Install the bolt.
2. Push the parking brake cable through the brake backing plate.

Vehicles with ABS





15. Position the ABS sensor and bracket bolts.
^ Install the bolts.
16. Install the brake shoes.
17. Bleed the brake system.
18. Check and adjust the wheel alignment as necessary.