Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Steering Knuckle Replacement

Tools Required
^ S A91100C Tie Rod Separator
^ J 44015 Steering Linkage Installer

Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
2. Remove the tire and wheel.
3. Remove the brake rotor.





4. Remove the dust shield screws.
5. If equipped with ABS, remove the ABS sensor bracket bolt from the steering knuckle.

Important: The ABS sensor bracket is equipped with a locating pin. Do not break this pin.

6. Carefully remove the ABS sensor bracket assembly from the steering knuckle.





7. Remove the drive axle to hub nut. Discard the nut.





8. Disengage the drive axle from the steering knuckle.





9. Remove the outer tie rod to knuckle nut.





10. Using the S A91100C, separate the tie rod from the steering knuckle.





11. Remove the lower control arm ball stud to steering knuckle pinch bolt and nut.
12. Lower the control arm to separate the ball stud from the steering knuckle.





13. Support and protect the drive axle during steering knuckle removal.
14. Remove the strut to steering knuckle bolts and nuts.
15. Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.
16. Remove the hub/bearing from the steering knuckle.

Installation Procedure
1. Install the hub/bearing to the steering knuckle.





2. Position the steering knuckle on the lower control arm ball stud, while guiding the drive axle through the steering knuckle hub/bearing.
3. Install new strut to knuckle nuts and bolts. Snug the bolts only at this time.






Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

4. Install the lower control arm ball stud to steering knuckle pinch bolt and nut.
Tighten the bolt and nut to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.).





5. Using the J 44015, install the tie rod to the steering knuckle. Set the taper by tightening the J 44015 to 45 Nm (33 ft. lbs.).






Important: Do not allow the ball stud to turn when installing the tie rod to steering knuckle nut.

6. Remove the J44015 and install a new tie rod to steering knuckle nut.
Tighten the nut to 60 Nm (45 ft. lbs.).
7. Inspect the tie rod boot for damage, replace if necessary.






Important: The ABS sensor bracket has a locating pin. The pin must be lactated in the steering knuckle locating hole.

8. If equipped with ABS, install the ABS sensor assembly to the steering knuckle.
Tighten the ABS sensor bracket bolt to 8 Nm (71 inch lbs.).
9. Install the brake rotor and hydraulic brake caliper.





10. Install the washer and a new hub/bearing nut to the drive axle.
10.1. Tighten the nut to 115 Nm (85 ft. lbs.).
10.2. Back of the nut and tighten to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.) plus an additional 90 degrees.
11. Install a new cotter pin through the alignment hole in the drive axle. Rotate the drive axle nut clockwise as necessary to align the castle nut slots.
12. Install the tire and wheels.
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. Align the front end.