Front Axle

REMOVAL





CAUTION: Before removing the front axle assembly, disconnect the ABS wheel sensor from the assembly. Move it away from the front axle assembly area. Failure to do so may result in damaged sensor wires and the sensor becoming inoperative.

1. Remove wheel bearing lock nut.





2. Remove brake caliper assembly and rotor.
- Brake hose need not be disconnected from brake caliper.
- Suspend brake caliper with wire so as not to stretch brake hose.
- Make sure brake hose is not twisted.
- Be careful not to depress brake pedal, or caliper piston will pop out.





3. Separate tie-rod from knuckle with Tool.
- Install stud nut conversely on stud bolt to prevent damage to stud bolt.





4. Remove strut lower mounting bolts.





5. Separate drive shaft from knuckle by lightly tapping it. If it is hard to remove, use a puller.
- When removing drive shaft, cover boots with shop towel to prevent damaging them.





6. Loosen lower ball joint tightening nut.
7. Separate knuckle from lower ball joint stud with Tool.
8. Remove knuckle from transverse link.

INSTALLATION





1. Install knuckle with wheel hub.
- Replace strut lower mounting nuts.
- When installing knuckle to strut, be sure to hold bolts while tightening nuts.
:167 - 186 Nm (17 - 19 kg-m, 123 - 137 ft. lbs.)
2. Tighten tie-rod ball joint nut.
:29 - 39 Nm (3.0 - 4.0 kg-m, 22 - 29 ft. lbs.)
- Apply ATF to threaded portion of drive shaft and both sides of plain washer.
3. Install brake caliper assembly and rotor.
- Make sure brake hose is not twisted.
4. Tighten wheel bearing lock nut.
:235 - 314 Nm (24 - 32 kg-m, 174 - 231 ft. lbs.)
5. Check wheel bearing axial end play.
Axial end play:
0.05 mm (0.0020 inch) or less.