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WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Escape, 2003 Ford Escape, and 2002 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: When a new wheel knuckle is installed a new wheel bearing must also be installed.
  1. Raise the vehicle on the hoist.
  2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. If necessary, remove the center cap. Remove the nuts.
    3. CAUTION: Use of a brake drum puller or a torch is not recommended. Brake drum distortion can occur.
    NOTE: If the brake drum is rusted to the axle shaft pilot diameter, tap the center of the brake drum between the wheel studs.
  3. Remove the brake drum. If equipped, remove the brake drum retaining clips.
  4. If the brake drum will not come off, follow these steps. Move the brake shoe adjusting lever off the brake adjuster screw. Loosen the brake shoe adjuster screw nut by adjusting the nut upward.
  5. Remove the rear halfshaft nut.
  6. Using the special tool, loosen the halfshaft from the wheel hub.
    Fig 1: Loosening Halfshaft From Hub
    G00370559Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Using the special tool, remove the wheel hub.
    Fig 2: Removing Wheel Hub (4WD)
    G00370577Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    8. NOTE: This step may not be necessary if the inner wheel bearing race remains in the wheel knuckle, after removing the wheel hub.
    Fig 3: Pressing Inner Wheel Bearing Race From Wheel Hub
    G00370552Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. Using the special tool, press the inner wheel bearing race from the wheel hub.
  9. Remove the snap ring.
    Fig 4: Identifying Snap Ring
    G00370553Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.


  1. Disconnect the parking brake cable. Remove the parking brake cable bolt from the wheel knuckle.
  2. Remove brake line bracket bolt.
  3. Support the wheel knuckle.
    Fig 1: Supporting Wheel Knuckle
    G00370578Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Remove the lower shock absorber nut.
    5. NOTE: It may be necessary to hold the ball joint stud to keep it from turning while removing the nut.
    Fig 2: Identifying Lower Ball Joint Nut
    G00370562Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Disconnect the lower ball joint. Remove the nut.
    6. NOTE: It may be necessary to hold the ball joint stud to keep it from turning while removing the nut.
    Fig 3: Identifying Upper Ball Joint Nut
    G00370563Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Disconnect the upper ball joint. Remove the nut.
    7. NOTE: Note the position of the spring insulator and spring for installation.
  7. Remove the spring. Lower the support to the wheel knuckle.
  8. Mark the position of the adjustment cam notch. Remove the wheel knuckle cam bolt and nut.
    Fig 4: Removing Wheel Knuckle Cam Bolt & Nut
    G00370564Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Remove the wheel knuckle cam. Remove the wheel knuckle.
    Fig 5: Removing Wheel Knuckle
    G00370565Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Remove the bolts. Remove the brake backing plate from the wheel knuckle and position aside.
    Fig 6: Removing Brake Backing Plate From Wheel Knuckle
    G00370575Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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