Steering Knuckle Replacement

Steering Knuckle Replacement

Tools Required

KM-507-C Ball Joint Remover

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the front wheels.




3. Remove the axle shaft caulking nut. Discard the nut.
4. Remove the lower ball joint nut.

Ball Joint Separation:

Notice: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use the recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.

5. Use the KM-507-C in order to separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.
6. Remove the outer tie rod nut.




7. Use the KM-507-C (1) in order to separate the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle.

Notice: Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic wire, or equivalent, whenever it is separated from its mount and the hydraulic flexible brake hose is still connected. Failure to support the caliper in this manner will cause the flexible brake hose to bear the weight of the caliper, which may cause damage to the brake hose and in turn may cause a brake fluid leak.

Important: DO NOT disconnect the hydraulic brake flexible hose from the caliper.

8. Remove the brake caliper and the pads as an assembly and support the assembly with heavy mechanics wire, or equivalent. Verify there is no tension on the brake hose.
9. Remove the brake rotor.




10. Remove the ABS wheel speed sensor, if equipped.
11. Remove the backing plate.
12. Remove the front strut nuts and bolts.

Notice: Do not overextend the wheel drive shaft. Allowing the inboard joint to overextend can cause separation of the internal components and lead to joint failure.

13. Support the wheel drive shaft.
14. Remove the knuckle assembly.
15. Remove the wheel hub, bearing and seal from the knuckle.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the wheel hub, bearing and seal from the knuckle.





Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

2. Install the knuckle assembly to the front strut with the nuts and bolts.

Tighten the knuckle assembly to the front strut with nuts and bolts to 100 N.m (74 lb ft).

3. Install the backing plate with the screws.

Tighten the backing plate with the screws to 4 N.m (35 lb in).




4. Install the ABS wheel speed sensor.
5. Install the brake rotor.
6. Install the brake caliper.




7. Install the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle.
8. Install the lower ball joint.

Tighten the lower ball joint nut to 55 N.m (41 lb ft).

9. Install the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle.
10. Install the outer tie rod nut.

Tighten the outer tie rod nut to 45 N.m (33 lb ft).

11. Loosely install a NEW axle shaft caulking nut.
12. Install the front wheels.
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Tighten the axle shaft caulking nut.

Tighten the axle shaft caulking nut to 300 N.m (221 lb ft).

15. Stake the caulking nut.
16. Inspect the vehicle.
17. Measure the wheel alignment.
18. If necessary, adjust the front toe.