Wheel Knuckle: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Mariner and 2010 Ford Escape. 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 brake disc. For additional information, refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
Remove and discard the wheel hub nut.
Using the Front Hub Remover, separate the halfshaft from the wheel hub.

Fig 1: Identifying Front Hub Remover
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the tie-rod end nut.

NOTE: Do not use a hammer to separate the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle can result.

NOTE: Do not damage the tie-rod end boot while installing the Tie-Rod End Remover.

Fig 2: Identifying Tie-Rod End Remover

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the Tie-Rod End Remover, separate the tie rod from the wheel knuckle.
Remove and discard the lower ball joint bolt and nut.
Remove the wheel speed sensor bolt and position the sensor aside.
Separate the lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
Remove the 2 strut-to-knuckle nuts, bolts and the wheel knuckle.
- Discard the nuts and bolts.