Wheel Knuckle & Axle Shaft: Removal

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2006 Ford Pickup, 2006 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2006 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2006 Ford Cab & Chassis, and 2005 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the wheel hub and bearing. For additional information, refer to WHEEL BEARING AND WHEEL HUB .
Using a drift, drive the axle shaft main seal out of the wheel knuckle.

Fig 1: Driving Axle Shaft Main Seal Out Of Wheel Knuckle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If equipped, disconnect the pulse vacuum hub (PVH) hose.
Remove the axle shaft and main seal.

Fig 2: Removing Axle Shaft And Main Seal
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the cotter pin and the tie-rod end nut.
- Discard the cotter pin.

NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Tie-Rod End Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, disconnect the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.
Remove the upper ball joint cotter pin and nut.
- Discard the cotter pin.
Loosen, but do not remove, the lower ball joint nut.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the ball joint seal and the ball joint socket, do not use a pickle fork-type remover to loosen the ball joints.

Fig 4: Locating Lower And Upper End Of Axle

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Strike the lower and upper end of the axle to loosen the ball joints and the camber adjuster.
Using the special tool, remove the camber adjuster.

Fig 5: Removing Camber Adjuster
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the lower ball joint nut and the wheel knuckle.
Clean and inspect the wheel knuckle bore. If the wheel knuckle is cracked, a new one must be installed.