Steering Knuckle: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1999 Mercury Mystique, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 1999 Ford Contour, 1998 Mercury Mystique, and 1998 Ford Contour. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Raise vehicle, and remove wheel assembly. On 1999 models, hold strut shaft with 8-mm Allen wrench, and loosen top retaining nut 5 turns. On all models, remove tie rod end cotter pin, and loosen castellated nut. Discard cotter pin. Separate tie rod end and knuckle using Tie Rod End Remover (TOOL-C3290-D). Remove anti-lock brake sensor from bracket (if equipped with ABS). Remove brake caliper and anchor plate assembly, and wire aside. Remove rotor.CAUTION: DO NOT over-extend axle shaft during removal, as CV joint components may separate.
- Remove axle shaft nut. Remove lower control arm ball joint-to-steering knuckle pinch bolt. Remove control arm ball joint from steering knuckle. DO NOT damage ball joint seal. Remove strut-to-steering knuckle pinch bolt. Using Front Hub Remover/Replacer (ST1516A), remove axle shaft from hub. Remove steering knuckle, and secure axle shaft aside.