Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Steering Knuckle Replacement

Special Tools

* J-42188-B - Ball Joint Separator

* J-43631 - Ball Joint Remover

* J-45059 - Angle Meter

Removal Procedure

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

2. Remove the front brake rotor. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J57) Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J57)Front Brake Rotor Replacement (JL9, J55, J56) Front Brake Rotor Replacement (JL9, J55, J56).

3. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.

4. Separate the steering linkage outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.

5. Support the lower control arm with a post jack.

6. Loosen the upper ball joint nut.




7. Install the J-42188-B - Ball Joint Separator (1) to the steering knuckle.

8. Using the J-42188-B - Ball Joint Separator, separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle.

9. Remove the upper ball joint nut.




10. Remove the lower ball joint nut (1).

11. Using the J-43631 - Ball Joint Remover, separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.

12. Remove the steering knuckle.

13. If replacing the steering knuckle, remove the wheel bearing and hub assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement Front Suspension.

Installation Procedure

1. If removed, install the wheel bearing and hub assembly. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement Front Suspension.

2. Install the steering knuckle.

3. Connect the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle.





Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.

4. Install the lower ball joint nut (1) and using the J-45059 - Angle Meter, tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb ft) + 180 degrees.

5. Connect the upper ball joint to the steering knuckle.

6. Install the upper ball joint nut and using the J-45059 - Angle Meter, tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb ft) + 120 degrees.

7. Carefully lower and remove the post jack.

8. Install the steering linkage outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.

9. Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.

10. Install the front brake rotor. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J57) Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J57)Front Brake Rotor Replacement (JL9, J55, J56) Front Brake Rotor Replacement (JL9, J55, J56).

11. Inspect the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement Wheel Alignment Measurement.