Wheel Knuckle: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Milan, 2010 Lincoln MKZ, and 2010 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.
- Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to REMOVAL .
- If equipped, remove the wheel speed sensor bolt.
- If equipped, remove the wheel speed sensor harness bolt and position the wheel speed sensor aside.
- Remove the brake flexible hose bracket-to-wheel knuckle bolt and position the hose and bracket aside.
- Remove and discard the wheel hub nut.NOTE: Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.
- Remove the bolts and position the caliper and anchor plate assembly aside.NOTE: Do not allow the caliper and anchor plate assembly to hang from the brake hose or damage to the hose can occur.
- Support the caliper and anchor plate assembly using mechanic's wire.
- Remove the 2 brake disc bolts and the brake disc.
- Using the Front Hub Remover, separate the halfshaft from the wheel hub.
- Remove and discard the upper ball joint nut.
- Using the Steering Arm Remover, separate the upper ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
- Remove and discard the tie-rod end cotter pin and nut.
- Using the Tie-Rod End Remover, separate the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.NOTE: Do not use a hammer to separate the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle can result.
- Remove and discard the 2 lower ball joint nuts.
- Using the Ball Joint Separator and Adapter, separate the 2 lower ball joints from the wheel knuckle and remove the wheel knuckle.NOTE: When the lower ball joint is separated from the wheel knuckle, the lower arm may strike the outer Constant Velocity (CV) joint boot with enough force to damage the boot clamp. This will result in a loss of grease from the outer CV joint. Place a block of wood, or similar item, between the lower arm and the outer CV joint to prevent the lower arm from striking the outer CV joint.NOTE: Once pressure is applied to the ball joint with the Ball Joint Separator and Adapter, it may be necessary to tap the wheel knuckle at the ball joint area to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle.