Knuckle, Steering: Removal
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
- If equipped with four wheel drive, remove the half shaft nut.NOTE:
Axle nut is a one time use only fastener, discard after removal and replace with a new axle nut.
- Remove the speed sensor bolt (2) and remove the sensor from the knuckle.
- Remove the speed sensor wiring retaining clip from the knuckle.CAUTION:
Never allow the disc brake caliper to hang from the brake hose. Damage to the brake hose will result. Provide a suitable support to hang the caliper securely.
- Remove the rotor. Refer to ROTOR, BRAKE, REMOVAL
.
- Remove the outer tie rod end retaining nut.
- Separate the outer tie rod end (4) from the steering knuckle (2) using Tie Rod Puller (special tool #C-3894-A, Puller, Tie Rod) (1).
- Support the outside of the lower control arm with a suitable holding fixture, and raise to normal ride height.
- Remove the upper ball joint nut.
- Separate the upper ball joint (2) from the knuckle (3) using Ball Joint Press (special tool #C-4150A, Press, Ball Joint) (1).
- If equipped with four wheel drive, tilt the knuckle (2) out enough to disengage the half shaft (4) from the hub/bearing, then pry the half shaft (4) from the axle/axle tube with a pry bar and position aside for access to remove the lower ball joint nut (3).NOTE:
Due to the taper of the lower ball joint, no special tool is needed to separate the knuckle from the control arm. When the nut is removed, the knuckle will pull away from the lower control arm.
- While supporting the knuckle (3), remove the lower ball joint nut (1).
- Remove the knuckle (3) from the vehicle.
- If necessary, remove the 3 hub bearing mounting bolts (3) from the back of the steering knuckle (2) and remove the hub/bearing (4) from the steering knuckle (2).
- If necessary, remove the brake shield (1) from the knuckle (2).