Rear Knuckle: Service and Repair

Fig. 2 Rear Axle Assembly:

REMOVAL

1. Raise and support rear of vehicle.
2. Remove cotter pin, locknut cap and locknut, Fig. 2.
3. Remove brake caliper then hang out of way.
4. Scribe matchmarks on rotor and axle hub.
5. Remove disc rotor.
6. Remove shock absorber from carrier.
7. Remove strut rod, then No. 1 and 2 lower suspension arms.
8. Remove the two upper arm set bolts from upper arm.
9. Remove axle carrier with upper arm.

INSTALLATION

1. Install rear axle carrier with upper arm as follows:
a. If removed, temporarily install driveshaft to axle hub.
b. Install upper arm, then temporarily install the two upper arm set bolts.
2. Temporarily install No. 2 and 1 lower suspension arm.
3. Temporarily install strut rod.
4. Connect shock absorber to axle carrier. Tighten to specification.
5. Install disc rotor and brake caliper aligning matchmarks on rotor axle hub. Tighten to specifications
6. Install driveshaft locknut, locknut cap and new cotter pin.
7. Install rear wheel, then lower vehicle and bounce rear bumper to stabilize suspension.
8. Tighten lower suspension arms, strut rods and upper arm to specifications.
9. Check then adjust rear wheel alignment as necessary.