Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Steering Knuckle Replacement

Tools Required
^ J43631 Ball Joint Separating Tool

Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel.





3. Disconnect the Real Time Damping (RTD) link rod from the sensor, if equipped.
4. Unload the torsion bars.
5. Remove the wheel hub and bearing assembly.
6. Disconnect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle.
7. Remove the brake hose bracket retaining bolt from the steering knuckle.





8. Remove the upper control arm retaining nut and separate the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle (2) using the J43631 (1).





9. Remove the lower control arm retaining nut. Separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle (2) using the J43631(1).





10. Remove the steering knuckle.

Installation Procedure
1. Clean all grease and contaminants from the tapered section and the threads of the upper ball joint, the lower ball joint, and the tie rod end.
2. Clean and inspect the taper holes and the mounting surfaces of the steering knuckle. If any of the tapered holes are elongated, out of round, or damaged, replace the steering knuckle.
3. Install the steering knuckle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





4. Connect the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle and install the retaining nut.
Tighten the lower control arm retaining nut to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.).
5. Connect the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle and install the retaining nut.
Tighten the upper control arm retaining nut to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).





6. Install the brake hose and the bracket retaining bolt to the steering knuckle
Tighten the bolt to 9 Nm (80 inch lbs.).
7. Connect the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle.
8. Install the wheel hub and bearing assembly.
9. Connect the RTD link rod to the sensor, if equipped.
10. Install the tire and wheel.
11. Load the torsion bars.
12. Align the vehicle.
13. Lower the vehicle.