Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
^ Tools Required:
- J 23742 Ball Joint Separator

1. Raise the front of the vehicle.
^ Place safety stands under the front lift points.
^ Do not place floor stands under the lower control arms because spring tension is needed to assist in breaking loose the ball joint studs.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.





NOTICE: Support the caliper with a piece of wire to prevent damage to the brake line.

3. Remove the brake caliper. .
4. Remove the hub/rotor assembly.
5. Remove the three bolts that attach the splash shield to the knuckle.





6. Remove the knuckle seal if the knuckle is to be replaced. Do not damage the knuckle seal.





7. Remove the lower ball joint stud front the knuckle using the J 23742.





8. Remove the upper ball joint stud from the knuckle using the J 23742.

CAUTION: Floor Jack mast remain under the control arm spring seat during removal and installation to retain the spring and control arm in position. Failure to do so could result in personal injury.

9. Position a floor jack under the lower control arm near the spring seat.
^ Raise the jack until the jack just supports the lower control arm.
^ Raise the upper control arm. Disengage the ball joint stud from the knuckle.
10. Remove the knuckle from the lower ball joint stud.
10.1. Clean the steering knuckle.
10.2. Inspect the steering knuckle tapered hole. If this tapered hole is out-of-round, deformed, or damaged, replace the knuckle.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE





1. Install the upper ball joint into the knuckle.
2. Install the lower ball joint into the knuckle.
3. Install the knuckle seal.





4. Install the splash shield to the knuckle.
5. Install the bolts to the splash shield.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 26 Nm (19 ft. lbs.).

NOTICE: Always use the correct fastener in the proper location. When you replace a fastener, use ONLY the exact part number for that application. The manufacturer will call out those fasteners that require a replacement after removal. The manufacturer will also call out the fasteners that require thread lockers or thread sealant. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, do not use supplemental coatings (paints, greases, or other corrosion inhibitors) on threaded fasteners or fastener joint interfaces. Generally, such coatings adversely affect the fastener torque and joint clamping force, and may damage the fastener. When you install fasteners, use the correct tightening sequence and specifications. Following these instructions can help you avoid damage to parts and systems.

6. Install the tie rod end into the knuckle.
7. Install the hub/rotor assembly.
8. Adjust the wheel bearings.
9. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
10. Remove the floor stands.
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Check the front wheel alignment.