Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Steering Knuckle Replacement

Special Tools

J-42188-B - Ball Joint Separator

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools Front Suspension.

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.

2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.

3. Remove the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement Front Suspension.





Note: Do not allow the stabilizer link ball stud to rotate while removing the link nut.

4. Remove the nut and separate the stabilizer link from the strut assembly.

5. Loosen the steering knuckle to strut bolts and nuts.




6. Remove and discard the lower ball joint cotter pin.

7. Loosen the ball stud nut, until level with the top of the ball stud.

8. Using the J-42188-B - separator , separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.




9. Remove the lower control arm and nut.

Note: Do not free the ball stud from the steering knuckle by use of a pickle fork or a wedge type tool. Damage to the seal or bushing may result.

10. Remove the tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.




11. Remove the steering knuckle to strut bolts and nuts.

12. Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

1. Position the steering knuckle to strut assembly.




2. Loosely install the strut to steering knuckle bolts and nuts.




3. Position the lower ball joint stud into the steering knuckle.

4. Install the lower ball joint ball stud nut and cotter pin. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement Front Suspension.

5. Install the strut to steering knuckle bolts and nuts. Refer to Strut Assembly Removal and Installation Strut Assembly Removal and Installation.

6. Install the tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.





Note: Do not allow the stabilizer link ball stud to rotate while installing the link nut.

7. Position the stabilizer shaft link to the strut assembly and install the nut. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement Front Suspension.

8. Install the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement Front Suspension.

9. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.

10. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

11. Perform a wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement Wheel Alignment Measurement.