Rear Knuckle: Service and Repair

Knuckle Replacement

Special Tools

J-42188-B - Ball Joint Separator

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools Rear Suspension.

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.

2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.

3. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor harness electrical connector.

4. Disconnect the electronic suspension control (ESC) position sensor link, if equipped, from the lower control arm.

5. Remove the rear brake rotor. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement (J57) Rear Brake Rotor Replacement (J57)Rear Brake Rotor Replacement (JL9, J55, J56) Rear Brake Rotor Replacement (JL9, J55, J56).

6. Loosen the tie rod nut.




7. Using the J-42188-B - separator (1), separate the tie rod from the knuckle.




8. Remove the tie rod nut (1).

9. Separate the wheel drive shaft from the wheel bearing and hub. Refer to Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement Service and Repair.

10. Disconnect the parking brake rear cable from the knuckle and the park brake actuator. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement.




11. Loosen the upper control arm ball joint nut (1).




12. Using the J-42188-B - separator (1), separate the upper control arm ball joint stud from the knuckle.




13. Remove the upper control arm ball joint nut (1).




14. Loosen the rear axle lower control arm ball joint nut (1).




15. Using the J-42188-B - separator (1), separate the knuckle from the rear axle lower control arm ball joint stud.

16. Remove the rear axle lower control arm ball joint nut.

17. Remove the knuckle assembly.

18. If replacing the knuckle, remove the parking brake actuator. Refer to Parking Brake Actuator Replacement Service and Repair.

19. If replacing the knuckle, remove the wheel bearing and hub assembly. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement Rear Suspension.

20. If replacing the knuckle, remove the parking brake backing plate.

Installation Procedure

1. If replacing the knuckle, install the parking brake backing plate.

2. If replacing the knuckle, install the wheel bearing and hub assembly. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement Rear Suspension.

3. If replacing the knuckle, install the parking brake actuator. Refer to Parking Brake Actuator Replacement Service and Repair.

4. Install the knuckle assembly.





Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.

5. Install the rear axle lower control arm ball joint nut (1) and tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb ft) + 180 degrees.




6. Install the upper control arm ball joint nut (1) and tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb ft) + 140 degrees.

7. Connect the parking brake rear cable to the knuckle and the park brake actuator. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement.

8. Install the tie rod to the knuckle.




9. Install the tie rod nut (1) and tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb ft) + 120 degrees.

10. Install the rear brake rotor. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement (J57) Rear Brake Rotor Replacement (J57)Rear Brake Rotor Replacement (JL9, J55, J56) Rear Brake Rotor Replacement (JL9, J55, J56).

11. Connect the ESC position sensor link, if equipped, to the lower control arm.

12. Connect the wheel speed sensor harness electrical connector.

13. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.