Knuckle, Steering: Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Jeep Cherokee. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Before proceeding, review all Warnings and Cautions. Refer to FRONT, WARNING .
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to HOISTING, STANDARD PROCEDURE .
- Remove the wheel mounting bolts and the tire and wheel assembly.
- Using a suitable punch, lift the two staked areas (1) on the hub nut. Use care not to damage the half-shaft.
- While a helper applies the brakes to keep the hub from rotating, remove the hub nut (2) and discard it. Remove the rotor bolt (3). Do not reuse the hub nut.
- Remove the front brake rotor. Refer to ROTOR, BRAKE, REMOVAL
.
- Remove the four hub and bearing to knuckle bolts and slide the hub and bearing (1) off the half shaft and out of the knuckle.
- Remove the front brake rotor splash shield.
- Remove the wheel speed sensor (1) and position it aside.
- Remove the outer tie rod end (1) from the knuckle. Refer to TIE ROD, STEERING, REMOVAL
.
- Remove and discard the lower ball joint nut (1).
- Using (special tool #C-4150A, Press, Ball Joint) separate the ball joint stud from the control arm.NOTE:
Make sure the ball joint boot does not get cut when separating the control arm from the knuckle.
NOTE:After separating the control arm from the knuckle, do not let it swing rapidly back up. This can tear the ball joint dust boot.
- Insert a pry bar (1) in the opening between the control arm front mounting bolt and the front fascia support beam.
- Pry down on the control arm (2) until the ball joint stud is clear of the control arm. Position the knuckle assembly to the side until it is clear of the ball joint stud. Slowly release the control arm.
- Remove the knuckle to strut pinch bolt and nut (1).
Discard the nut and bolt.
NOTE:Do not allow the half shaft to hang by the inner C/V joint. Support the half shaft to keep the joint from separating.
- Remove the knuckle.