Removal and Installation

Removal and Installation





REMOVAL
1. Remove wheel and tire. Refer to "Removal".
2. Remove the underbody splash shield.
3. Remove the front ABS sensor. Refer to "Removal and Installation".

CAUTION:
Before removing the front axle assembly, remove the 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 wheel sensor becoming inoperative.

4. Remove wheel bearing lock nut using power tool.





5. Remove brake caliper assembly and rotor using power tool.
^ 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.





6. Separate tie rod from knuckle using Tool.

CAUTION: Install stud nut on stud bolt to prevent damage to stud bolt.





7. Separate drive shaft from knuckle by lightly tapping the end with a suitable hammer and wood block. If it is hard to separate, use a suitable puller.

CAUTION: Cover boots with shop towel so as not to damage them when removing drive shaft.





8. Remove lower strut mounting bolts.





9. Loosen lower ball joint tightening nut.
10. Separate knuckle from lower ball joint stud with Tool.
11. Remove knuckle from transverse link.

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

Wheel Hub
^ Check wheel hub for cracks by a magnetic exploration or dying test, and replace if cracked.

Knuckle
^ Check for deformity, cracks (by magnetic exploration or dying test) and damage on steering knuckle, replace if necessary.

Snap Ring
^ Check for wear and damage on snap ring, replace if necessary.

INSTALLATION
To install, reverse the removal procedure. For tightening torques, refer to "Components" (front suspension), "Removal and Installation" (steering).