Wheel Knuckle - 4WD: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mazda Tribute, 2003 Mazda Tribute, and 2002 Mazda Tribute. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: When a new wheel knuckle is installed a new wheel bearing must also be installed.

Raise and support the vehicle on the hoist.
Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
- If necessary, remove the center cap.
- Remove the nuts.
Fig 1: Removing Wheel & Tire Assembly
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION: Use of a brake drum puller or a torch is not recommended. Brake drum distortion can occur.

Fig 2: Removing Brake Drum

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Remove the brake drum.
- If equipped, remove the brake drum retaining clips.
If the brake drum will not come off, follow these steps:
- Move the brake shoe adjusting lever off the brake adjuster screw.
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Brake Shoe Adjuster Lever & Screw
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- Loosen the brake shoe adjuster screw nut by adjusting the nut upward.

CAUTION: Anti-seize compound must be applied to the halfshaft before removing the nut to avoid damaging the halfshaft.

Fig 4: Identifying Rear Halfshaft Nut

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Remove the rear halfshaft nut and discard.
Using the special tool, loosen the halfshaft from the wheel hub.

Fig 5: Removing Halfshaft
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Using the special tool, remove the wheel hub.

Fig 6: Removing Wheel Hub
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: This step may not be necessary if the inner wheel bearing race remains in the wheel knuckle, after removing the wheel hub.

Fig 7: Removing Inner Bearing Race

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Using the special tool, press the inner wheel bearing race from the wheel hub.
Remove the snap ring.

Fig 8: Identifying Snap Ring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Vehicles with ABS
On vehicles with Anti-Lock Brake (ABS), position the ABS sensor aside.
- Remove the ABS sensor bolt and bracket bolts.
  
  Fig 9: Identifying ABS Sensor & Bracket Bolts
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- Position the ABS sensor aside.
Disconnect the parking brake cable.
- Remove the parking brake cable bolt from the wheel knuckle.
  
  Fig 10: Identifying Parking Brake Cable Bolt
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove brake line bracket bolt.

Fig 11: Identifying Brake Line Bracket Bolt
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Support the wheel knuckle.

Fig 12: Supporting Wheel Knuckle
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the lower shock absorber bolt.

Fig 13: Identifying Lower Shock Absorber Bolt
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: It may be necessary to hold the ball joint stud to keep it from turning while removing the nut.

Disconnect the lower ball joint.
- Remove the nut.
  
  Fig 14: Identifying Lower Ball Joint Nut
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: It may be necessary to hold the ball joint stud to keep it from turning while removing the nut.

Disconnect the upper ball joint.
- Remove the nut.
  
  Fig 15: Identifying Upper Ball Joint Nut
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Note the position of the spring insulator and spring for installation. Note the position of the spring insulator and spring for installation.

Fig 16: Identifying Rear Coil Spring

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Remove the spring.
- Lower the support to the wheel knuckle.
Remove the wheel knuckle cam bolt and nut.
- Mark the position of the adjustment cam notch.
- Remove the wheel knuckle cam bolt and nut.
Fig 17: Identifying Wheel Knuckle Cam Bolt & Nut
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the wheel knuckle.
- Remove the wheel knuckle cam.
  
  Fig 18: Identifying Wheel Knuckle & Cam
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- Remove the wheel knuckle.
Remove the brake backing plate from the wheel knuckle.
- Remove the bolts.
  
  Fig 19: Identifying Backing Plate Bolts
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
- Remove the brake backing plate from the wheel knuckle.