Wheel Knuckle - 4WD: Installation

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.

Using the special tools, install a new wheel bearing into the wheel knuckle.

Fig 1: Installing Bearing Into Wheel Knuckle
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Install the snap ring into the wheel knuckle.

Fig 2: Identifying Snap Ring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Position the wheel knuckle and install the wheel knuckle cam.

Fig 3: Identifying Wheel Knuckle & Cam
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Install the wheel knuckle cam bolt loosely.

NOTE: Brake shoes shown removed for clarity.

Install the brake backing plate into the wheel knuckle.
- Install the bolts.
  
  Fig 4: Installing Backing Plate Bolts
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Using the special tools, install the wheel hub.

Fig 5: Installing Wheel Hub
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Position the halfshaft into the wheel hub.
Support the wheel knuckle and install the spring.

Fig 6: Installing Coil Spring
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Install the lower shock absorber bolt.

Fig 7: Installing Lower Shock Absorber Bolt
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the support from the wheel knuckle.
Install the upper ball joint.
- Install the nut.
  
  Fig 8: Installing Upper Ball Joint Nut
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Install the lower ball joint.
- Install the nut.
  
  Fig 9: Installing Lower Ball Joint Nut
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Tighten the wheel knuckle cam bolt and nut.
- Align the wheel knuckle cam.
- Tighten the wheel knuckle cam bolt and nut.
  
  Fig 10: Tightening Wheel Knuckle Cam Bolt & Nut
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Install brake line bracket bolt.

Fig 11: Tightening Brake Line Bracket Bolt
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Install the parking brake cable bolt.

Fig 12: Installing Parking Brake Cable Bolt
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
On vehicles with ABS, position the ABS brake sensor and bracket bolts.
- Install the bolts.
  
  Fig 13: Installing ABS Brake Sensor & Bracket Bolts
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Fig 14: Installing Halfshaft End Into Hub Assembly
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Using the special tool, install the halfshaft end into the hub assembly.

NOTE: Halfshaft must be clean and free of debris before installing the halfshaft nut.

Fig 15: Installing Halfshaft Nut

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Install the halfshaft nut.
Install the brake drum.

Fig 16: Installing Brake Drum.
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Install the wheel and tire assembly. Refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
Check and adjust the wheel alignment as necessary. Refer to the following:
- For 2002 models, see SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES .
- For 2003 models, see WHEEL ALIGNMENT .
- For 2004 models, see WHEEL ALIGNMENT