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Home >> Ford >> 2006 >> Focus ZX5 SE, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Suspension >> Front Suspension >> Front Suspension System >> Removal And Installation >> Wheel Knuckle >> Removal

Wheel Knuckle: Removal

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation is necessary. Do not use a new 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.

    All vehicles 

  1. Loosen the 3 strut upper nuts 5 turns.
    Fig 1: Locating Strut Upper Nuts
    G04651458Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. If equipped, remove the wheel cover.
  3. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
  4. Detach the brake hose from the support bracket.
    Fig 2: Locating Brake Hose From Support Bracket
    G04651459Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    5. CAUTION: Do not allow the caliper and anchor plate assembly to hang from the brake hose or damage to the hose can occur.
  5. Remove the bolts and position the caliper and anchor plate assembly aside.
    • Support the caliper and anchor plate assembly using mechanic's wire.
  6. Remove the brake disc.

    7. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes 

  7. Remove the wheel speed sensor bolt and position the sensor aside.

    8. All vehicles 

    CAUTION: Leave the tie-rod end nut in place to protect the ball joint stud.
  8. Loosen the tie-rod end nut.
    9. CAUTION: Protect the ball joint seal using a soft cloth to prevent damage.
  9. Using the special tool, detach the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.
    • Discard the tie-rod end nut.
      Fig 3: Removing Tie-Rod End From Wheel Knuckle
      G04651460Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    10. CAUTION: Do not use a prying device or separator fork between the ball joint and the wheel knuckle. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint boot can result. Only use the pry bar by inserting it into the lower control arm body opening.
    CAUTION: Do not damage suspension components when using the pry bar to separate the lower arm from the wheel knuckle.
  10. Remove and discard the ball joint nut and bolt, then insert a pry bar in the lower arm body opening and separate the lower arm from the wheel knuckle.
    • Remove the ball joint heat shield.
      Fig 4: Inserting Prybar In Lower Arm Body
      G04651461Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. After separating the lower control arm from the wheel knuckle, immediately install the special tool over the ball stud before releasing the lower control arm and knuckle into rest positions.
    • Leave the special tool in place during service and only remove prior to installation.
      Fig 5: Identifying Special Tool
      G04651462Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    12. NOTE: Apply the brake to keep the halfshaft from rotating.
  12. Remove and discard the front wheel hub nut.
    13. NOTE: Make sure that the halfshaft does not disengage from the inner constant velocity joint.
    Fig 6: Separating Wheel Hub From Halfshaft
    G04651463Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  13. Using a suitable puller, separate the wheel hub from the halfshaft.
  14. Remove the wheel knuckle-to-strut bolt.
  15. Remove the wheel knuckle.
    • Support the halfshaft using mechanic's wire.
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