Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Wheel Knuckle













Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

1. Remove the wheel bearing and wheel hub. For additional information, refer to Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub Front Suspension.

2. Remove and discard the tie-rod end nut.

3. Using the Ball Joint Separator, separate the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.





4. Remove the wheel speed sensor harness bracket bolt and position the harness aside.





5. NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stud from turning while removing the nut.

Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link lower nut.

6. Remove and discard the shock absorber lower nut and bolt.

7. Remove the 3 Integrated Wheel End (IWE) bolts.

8. Remove and discard the upper ball joint nut.

9. NOTICE: Be sure not to damage the ball joint boot when installing the Ball Joint Separator.

Using the Ball Joint Separator, separate the upper ball joint from the wheel knuckle.





10. Remove and discard the lower ball joint nut.

11. NOTICE: Make sure to use the Ball Joint Separator when separating the lower ball joint from the knuckle to prevent damage to the ball joint boot.

Using the Ball Joint Separator, separate the lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle and remove the wheel knuckle.





12. If necessary, remove the 3 brake disc shield bolts and remove the brake disc shield.

Installation

NOTICE: Do not tighten the lower shock nut until the installation procedure is complete and the weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheel and tire assemblies or incorrect clamp load and bushing damage may occur.

NOTICE: When servicing the lower shock nut, take care not to damage the stabilizer link.

1. If necessary, install the brake disc shield and 3 brake disc shield bolts.
- Tighten to 17 Nm (150 lb-in).

2. Position the lower ball joint into the wheel knuckle and install the new nut.
- Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).

3. Position the upper ball joint and install the new nut.
- Tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).

4. Position the IWE and install the 3 IWE bolts.
- Tighten to 15 Nm (133 lb-in).

5. NOTE: Do not tighten the nut at this time.

Loosely install the new shock absorber lower nut and bolt.

6. Install the new stabilizer bar link lower nut.
- Tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).

7. Position the wheel speed sensor harness bracket and install the bolt.
- Tighten to 12 Nm (106 lb-in).





8. Install the new tie-rod end nut.
- Tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).

9. Install the wheel bearing and wheel hub. For additional information, refer to Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub Front Suspension.

10. With the weight of the vehicle on the wheel and tire, tighten the shock absorber lower nut to 550 Nm (406 lb-ft).

11. Check and, if necessary, align the front end. For additional information, refer to Suspension System - General Information Service and Repair.