Front Axle

REMOVAL

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





1. Remove cotter pin and wheel bearing lock nut.





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





3. Remove brake caliper assembly, torque member and rotor.
- Brake hose need not be disconnected from brake caliper. In this case, suspend caliper assembly with wire so as not to stretch brake hose. Be careful not to depress brake pedal, or piston will pop out.
Make sure brake hose is not twisted.





4. Remove strut lower mounting nuts and bolts.





5. Separate drive shaft from knuckle by lightly tapping it. If it is hard to remove, use a puller.
- Cover boots with shop towel so as not to damage them when removing drive shaft.





6. Loosen lower ball joint nut.
7. Remove knuckle from lower ball joint stud with Tool.

INSTALLATION
1. Install in reverse order of removal.





- Install knuckle with wheel hub.
When installing knuckle to strut, be sure to hold bolts and tighten nuts.
114 - 133 Nm (11.6 - 13.6 kg-m, 84 - 98 ft. lbs.)
Before tightening, apply oil to threaded portion of drive shaft.
- Tighten wheel bearing lock nut.
197 - 274 Nm (20 - 28 kg-m, 145 - 202 ft. lbs.)
- Rotate wheel hub to check that wheel bearings operate smoothly.





- Rotate wheel hub to check wheel bearing axial end play.
Axial end play: 0.05 mm (0.0020 inch) or less