Wheel Knuckle: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Pickup, 2007 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2007 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2007 Ford Cab & Chassis. 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 in this article.
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: Locating 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.

Using the special tool, disconnect the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Tie-Rod End Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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.

Strike the lower and upper end of the axle to loosen the ball joints and the camber adjuster.

Fig 4: Loosening Ball Joints And Camber Adjuster

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, remove the camber adjuster.

Fig 5: Locating 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.