Wheel Knuckle: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the wheel bearing and wheel hub. 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 Using Drift
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If equipped, disconnect the pulse vacuum hub 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.
If removing the RH wheel knuckle, using the C-Frame and Screw Assembly, disconnect the RH tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.

Fig 3: Removing RH Wheel Knuckle Using C-Frame And Screw Assembly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If removing the LH wheel knuckle, using the Ball Joint Separator, disconnect the LH tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.

Fig 4: Removing LH Wheel Knuckle Using Ball Joint Separator
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.
NOTE: 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 adjustment sleeve.

Fig 5: Locating Lower And Upper End Of Axle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the Steering Arm Remover, remove the camber adjuster.

Fig 6: Removing Camber Adjuster Using Steering Arm Remover
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the lower ball joint nut and the wheel knuckle.
- Discard the nut.
Clean and inspect the wheel knuckle bore. If the wheel knuckle is cracked, a new one must be installed.