Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Steering Knuckle Replacement
^ Tools Required
- J 42188 Ball Joint Separator
- J 45059 Angle Meter.
- OTC 7314A Pitman Arm Puller

Removal Procedure





1. Remove the front disc brake splash shield (1). Refer to Disc Brake Splash Shield Replacement - Front.
2. Remove the cotter pin from the outer tie rod nut.
3. Remove the outer tie rod nut.
4. Use the OTC 7314A, or equivalent, in order to separate the outer tie rod from the knuckle.
5. Remove and discard the 2 nuts (5, 6).
6. If equipped, remove the 2 washers (4, 7) from the bolts.
7. Remove and discard the 2 bolts (2, 3).
8. If you are replacing the knuckle, remove the camber adjusting screw from the knuckle.
9. Remove the steering knuckle from the strut.
10. Remove and discard the nut that retains the control arm ball joint stud to the knuckle.
11. Use the J 42188, or equivalent, in order to separate the control arm ball joint stud from the knuckle.
12. Remove the knuckle from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the steering knuckle to the control arm ball joint stud.
2. Align the bolt holes in the knuckle with the bolt holes in the strut.

Important: Do NOT tighten the bolts or the nuts yet.

3. Install the 2 NEW bolts (2, 3) in order to retain the knuckle to the strut.
4. Install the 2 washers (4, 7) to the bolts.
5. Install the 2 NEW nuts (5, 6) to the bolts.
6. Position a jack and a block of wood below the control arm ball joint.
7. Raise the jack in order to support the control arm.
8. Raise the jack in order to seat the knuckle on the control arm ball joint stud.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

9. Install the nut to the control arm ball joint stud.
^ Tighten the nut to 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.).

10. Remove the jack and the wood.
11. Ensure the plastic spacer is on the ball stud for the outer tie rod end.
12. Install the outer tie rod to the knuckle.
13. Install the nut to the ball stud for the outer tie rod.
^ Tighten the nut to 68 Nm (50 ft. lbs.). Align the cotter pin slot by tightening the nut up to 1/6 additional turn, or 85 Nm (63 ft. lbs.) maximum. Do not loosen the nut in order to insert the cotter pin.
14. Install the cotter pin into the hole in the tie rod stud.
15. If you removed the camber adjusting ..crew. install the adjusting screw to the knuckle.
16. Install the front disc brake splash shield Refer to Disc Brake Splash Shield Replacement - Front
17. Lower the vehicle onto an alignment rack in order to place the weight of the vehicle onto the tires.
18. Push down on the front bumper 3 timers in order to stabilize the suspension.
19. Measure the wheel alignment Refer 10 Measuring Wheel Alignment in Wheel Alignment.

Important: The camber adjustment screw has thread sealant in the form of micro-encapsulation.

20. Adjust the alignment to the specification it necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment
Rotate the camber adjusting screw in carder to adjust the front camber.
21. Tighten the 2 nuts that retain the strut to the knuckle.
21.1. Tighten the nuts to 85 Nm (62 ft. lbs.)
21.2. Tighten the nuts to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.).
21.3. Use the J 45059 in order to tighten the nuts an additional 90 degrees.