Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

SPINDLE REMOVAL - 4 x 2
1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove the front disc brake rotor shield.





4. Use suitable jack to support the front suspension lower arm.





5. Remove the upper shock absorber nut/washer assembly and bushing.





6. Remove the upper ball joint retaining nut and pinch bolt.





7. Separate the ball joint from the front wheel spindle.





8. Remove the front shock absorber.
1. Remove the two nuts.
2. Remove the front shock absorber.





9. Remove the tie rod castellated nut.
1. Remove the cotter pin.
2. Remove the castellated nut.
10. Use Pitman Arm Puller or equivalent to separate the tie rod end from the front wheel spindle.





11. Use a coil spring compressor or equivalent to compress the coil spring.





12. Remove the lower ball joint castellated nut.
1. Remove the cotter pin.
2. Remove the castellated nut.





13. Use the Pitman Arm Puller or equivalent to separate the lower ball joint from the front wheel spindle.
14. Remove the front wheel spindle.

SPINDLE INSTALLATION

Caution: Always install the cotter pin into the lower ball joint castellated nut from outboard to inboard, with the fingers bent together at a right angle. Failure to do so will result in damage to the wheel and tire assembly.





1. Install the lower ball joint.
1. Install the castellated nut.
2. Install a new cotter Din





2. Install the upper ball joint.
1. Install the ball joint into the spindle.
2. Install a new pinch bolt and nut.
3. Remove the coil spring compressor tool or equivalent.

Caution: Always install the cotter pin into the tie rod castellated nut from outboard to inboard, with the fingers bent together at a right angle. Failure to do so will result in damage to the wheel and tire assembly.





4. Install the tie rod castellated nut.
1. Install the castellated nut.
2. Install a new cotter pin.





5. Install the front shock absorber and the two lower nuts.





6. Install the upper shock absorber bushing and nut/washer assembly.
7. Install the front disc brake rotor shield.
8. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
9. Inspect and adjust the front end alignment.