Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair
Steering Knuckle Replacement
Tools Required
* J 6627-A Tie Rod Puller
* J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
Removal Procedure
Important: You may remove the following components as an assembly:
* The steering knuckle
* The lower ball joint
* The front hub
* The wheel studs
* The front wheel bearing
* The disc brake shield
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
1. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly.
2. If the vehicle has ABS, remove the ABS wheel speed sensor from the steering knuckle. Position the sensor to the side.
3. Unstake the front wheel drive shaft nut.
4. Remove the drive shaft nut from the drive axle while an assistant presses the brake pedal.
5. Remove the 2 nuts (1, 2) and the bolt (3) from the lower control arm.
6. Remove the brake rotor.
7. Loosen the nuts on the lower side of the strut assembly. Do not remove the bolts.
8. Remove the outer tie rod cotter pin (2).
9. Remove the outer tie rod nut (1).
10. Use the J 6627-A, or equivalent, in order to disconnect the outer tie rod from the knuckle.
11. Remove the 2 nuts and the 2 bolts from lower side of the strut assembly.
12. Remove the steering knuckle from the strut.
Important: If you are replacing the steering knuckle, continue with this procedure.
13. Remove the front wheel bearing and the disc brake shield.
14. Remove the steering knuckle cotter pin (5) and the ball stud nut (4).
15. Use the J 24319-B, or equivalent, in order to remove the ball joint (3) from the steering knuckle.
Installation Procedure
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.
Important: Do not loosen the nut in order to insert the cotter pin.
1. Install the ball joint (3) and the nut (4) to the steering knuckle (2).
Tighten the nut to 103 N.m (76.0 lb ft). Tighten the nut up to 1/6 additional turn in order to insert the cotter pin.
2. Install a NEW cotter pin (5) to the ball joint stud. Bend the cotter pin ends in order to retain the nut.
3. Install the front wheel bearing and the disc brake shield to the steering knuckle.
Important: Do not tighten the nuts or the bolts.
4. Install the following components to the lower side of the strut assembly:
* The steering knuckle
* The 2 bolts
* The 2 nuts
Important: Do not loosen the nut in order to insert the cotter pin.
5. Install the outer tie rod and the nut to the steering knuckle.
Tighten the outer tie rod nut to 49 N.m (36 lb ft). Tighten the nut up to 1/6 additional turn in order to insert the cotter pin.
6. Install a NEW cotter pin to the tie rod ball joint stud. Bend the cotter pin ends in order to retain the nut.
7. Install the front brake rotor.
8. Install a NEW drive shaft nut while an assistant applies the brakes.
Tighten the nut to 216 N.m (159 lb ft).
9. Stake the drive shaft nut into the slot on the wheel drive shaft.
10. Install the bolt (3) and the 2 nuts (1, 2) to the control arm.
Tighten the bolt and the 2 nuts to 89 N.m (65.6 lb ft).
11. Tighten the nuts and the bolts on the lower side of the strut assembly.
Tighten the nuts and bolts to 220 N.m (162.3 lb ft).
12. If the vehicle has ABS, install the ABS wheel speed sensor to the knuckle.
13. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
14. Lower the vehicle.
15. Measure the front wheel alignment. Adjust as necessary.