Wheel Knuckle: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup, 2012 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2012 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2012 Ford Cab & Chassis. 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: Removing Axle Shaft Main Seal
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: Disconnecting RH Tie-Rod End From Wheel Knuckle
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: Disconnecting LH Tie-Rod End From Wheel Knuckle
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.

Fig 5: Locating Ball Joints And Camber Adjustment Sleeve

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Strike the lower and upper end of the axle to loosen the ball joints and the camber adjustment sleeve.
Using the Steering Arm Remover, remove the camber adjuster.

Fig 6: Removing Camber Adjuster
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.