Wheel Knuckle - F-450, F-550: Installation

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.

NOTE: The caster/camber adjustment sleeve must be removed and the axle bores and adjustment sleeve contact areas cleaned to ensure proper torque sequence. If not clean, damage to the ball joint, adjustment sleeve and/or axle bores can occur.

NOTE: Failure to remove the caster/camber adjustment sleeve can result in a hard to steer condition.

Thoroughly clean the axle bore and adjustment sleeve contact areas.
Install the camber adjustment sleeve.
Position the knuckle onto the axle and install the nut onto the upper ball joint. Do not tighten the nut at this time.
Apply threadlock and sealer to the threads of the lower ball joint and install the nut onto the lower ball joint. Do not tighten the nut at this time.
Tighten the new lower ball joint nut to 59 Nm (44 lb-ft).
NOTE: Do not loosen the nut to install the cotter pin.

Tighten the new upper ball joint nut to 94 Nm (69 lb-ft) and install the cotter pin.
- If necessary, tighten the nut until the cotter pin can be installed.
Tighten the new lower ball joint nut to 204 Nm (150 lb-ft).
Connect the tie-rod end to the wheel spindle and install the nut and a new cotter pin.
- Tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
- If necessary, tighten the nut until the cotter pin can be installed.
Install the wheel bearing and hub assembly. For additional information, refer to WHEEL BEARING AND WHEEL HUB - F-450, F-550 .
Check and, if necessary, align the front end. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .