Removal and Installation — Steering Knuckle

Special Service Tools / General Equipment

	204-161 (T97P-1175-A) Installer, Axle Shaft TKIT-1997-LM2 TKIT-1997-F/FM2 TKIT-1997-FLM2
	205-D070 (D93P-1175-B) Remover, Front Wheel Hub Puller, Front Wheel Hub
Tie Rod End Remover

Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified.

1. 1
   Remove the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
2. 2
   Remove and discard the wheel hub nut.

   

3. 3

   NOTICE: Do not bend the inner joint more than 18 degrees or the outer joint more than 45 degrees. Halfshaft damage will occur.

   Using the special tool, press the axle shaft out of the wheel bearing and hub. Support the axle shaft in a horizontal position.
   Use special service tool: 205-D070 (D93P-1175-B) Remover, Front Wheel Hub.

   

4. 4

   NOTICE: Do not use a hammer to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle, as damage to the steering knuckle may occur.

   NOTICE: Use care when installing the tie rod end separator, otherwise damage to the tie rod end boot may occur.

   Remove and discard the tie rod end nut and separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
   Use the General Equipment: Tie Rod End Remover.

   

5. 5

   NOTICE: Do not use a pry bar to open the slot in the steering knuckle to separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle assembly. Damage to the steering knuckle assembly may occur.

   NOTICE: Do not use a pry bar or separator fork between the ball joint and steering knuckle. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur. Use a pry bar only by inserting it into the lower arm housing hole.

   NOTICE: Be careful when releasing the lower arm and steering knuckle, or damage to the ball joint seal may occur.

   NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove or install the lower arm outer nut. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur.

   Remove and discard the ball joint pinch bolt and nut and separate the lower arm from the steering knuckle.

   

6. 6
   Remove the front wheel speed sensor.
   Refer to: Front Wheel Speed Sensor (206-09 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Traction Control System, Removal and Installation).
7. 7
   Remove the brake rotor shield.
   Refer to: Brake Rotor Shield (206-03 Front Disc Brake, Removal and Installation).
8. 8
   Remove and discard the strut-to-steering knuckle lower bolts and nuts and remove the steering knuckle.

   

Installation

NOTICE: Tighten the suspension fasteners with the vehicle on its wheels and tires, or use a suitable jack to raise the suspension to curb height to avoid damage to the bushings.

1. 1
   1. Install the steering knuckle to the lower strut assembly.

   2. Install new strut-to-steering knuckle lower bolts and nuts.
      Torque:
      Stage 1: 103 lb-ft (140 N·m)
      Stage 2: 120°

   

2. 2
   Using the special tools, pull the halfshaft into the hub.
   Use the Special Service Tool: 204-161 (T97P-1175-A) Halfshaft Installer.

   

3. 3
   Install the brake rotor shield.
   Refer to: Brake Rotor Shield (206-03 Front Disc Brake, Removal and Installation).
4. 4
   Install the front wheel speed sensor.
   Refer to: Front Wheel Speed Sensor (206-09 Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Traction Control System, Removal and Installation).
5. 5

   NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove or install the lower arm outer nut. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur.

   Attach the lower arm to the steering knuckle and install a new ball joint pinch bolt and nut.
   Torque: 66 lb-ft (90 N·m)

   

6. 6

   NOTICE: Use care when installing the tie rod end separator, otherwise damage to the tie rod end boot may occur.

   Connect the tie rod end to the steering knuckle and install a new tie rod end nut.
   Torque: 35 lb-ft (48 N·m)

   

7. 7

   NOTICE: Do not tighten the front wheel hub nut with the vehicle on the ground. The nut must be tightened to specification before the vehicle is lowered onto the wheels. Damage to the wheel bearing will occur if the wheel bearing is loaded by the weight of the vehicle.

   NOTICE: Install and tighten a new wheel hub nut to specification in one continuous motion. Always install a new wheel hub nut after loosening or tightening out of specification, as continuous rotation or component damage may occur.

   While an assistant depresses the brake pedal, install a new wheel hub nut.
   Torque:
   Stage 1: 74 lb-ft (100 N·m)
   Stage 2: 60°

   

8. 8
   Install the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheels and Tires (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
9. 9
   Check and adjust the front toe if necessary.
   Refer to: Front Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).