Front Steering Knuckle - Removal

REMOVAL





CAUTION: When removing the steering knuckle the shock absorber must remain installed.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the front wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove the front disc brake caliper (1). Disc Brake Caliper - Removal.




4. Remove the front disc brake rotor (1). Brake Rotor - Removal.
5. Remove the front wheel hub. Front Hub / Bearing - Removal.




6. Remove the disc brake dust shield by removing the three hex bolts (1).




7. Remove the Wheel Speed Sensor by removing the bolt and pulling the sensor straight out of the steering knuckle.




NOTE: Check the ball joint rubber boot for any wear or damage. Repair as necessary.

NOTE: An allen wrench may be required to hold the ball joint stud while removing the nut.

CAUTION: Do not use pneumatic tools to tighten the bolt on the special tool.

8. Remove the tie rod end from the steering knuckle by removing the nut from the tie rod joint stud. Using Special Tool C-3894-A Two Jaw Puller, slowly tighten the bolt until the tie rod end joint is pushed out of the steering knuckle.




NOTE: An allen wrench may be required to hold the ball joint stud while removing the nut.

9. Remove the lower control arm supporting ball joint from the steering knuckle by removing the nut (1) from the ball joint stud.




CAUTION: Do not use pneumatic tools to tighten the bolt on the special tool.

10. Using Special Tool 9168 Ball Joint Puller (2) slowly tighten the bolt until the ball joint (1) is pushed out of the steering knuckle.




NOTE: An allen wrench may be required to hold the ball joint stud while removing the nut.

11. Remove the steering knuckle upper control arm nut (1) from the upper ball joint stud.

CAUTION: Do not use pneumatic tools to tighten the bolt on the special tool.

12. Using Special Tool 9168 Ball Joint Puller slowly tighten the bolt until the upper ball joint is pushed out of the steering knuckle.
13. Carefully remove the knuckle from the vehicle.
INSPECTION





1. Check the lower control arm supporting ball joint by performing the following:
2. Remove the nuts (1) from the lower control arm supporting ball joint.
3. Using Special Tool 9168 Ball Joint Puller (2) press out the lower control arm supporting ball joint (1).
4. Check the lower control arm supporting ball joint. It should be possible to move the ball pivot without any play, binding, or creaking noises. Move the ball pivot in all directions with a tube approximately 6 in. (150 mm) in length. Check the boot for any cracks or damage. If the boot is leaking, replace supporting or follower joint.
5. Measure the steering knuckle, if necessary.