Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair

Fig. 2 Removing Stake From Halfshaft Attaching Nut:

Fig. 3 Separating Tie Rod End From Steering Knuckle:

Fig. 4 Steering Knuckle, Hub & Rotor Installation:

Fig. 5 Staking Halfshaft Attaching Nut:

1. Raise and support vehicle.
2. Remove tire and wheel assembly.
3. Carefully raise the staked portion of the halfshaft attaching nut using a small cape chisel, Fig. 2.
4. Remove halfshaft attaching nut. When loosening the nut, lock the hub in position by having a helper lock the brakes. Discard the nut, it should not be reused.
5. Remove stabilizer bar link bolts.
6. Separate tie rod end from steering knuckle, Fig. 3.
7. Remove caliper, then anchor bracket assembly. Suspend caliper from coil spring. Do not allow to hang from brake line.
8. Remove brake rotor, Fig. 4.
9. Remove lower ball joint clamp bolt, then separate ball joint from steering knuckle.
10. Remove steering knuckle to strut attaching bolts.
11. Slide front hub/steering knuckle assembly from strut bracket and halfshaft, Fig. 4. Use caution not to damage grease seals. If the hub binds on the halfshaft splines, lightly tap end of halfshaft with a plastic hammer. If the halfshaft splines become rusted to the hub, use a two-jawed puller or a hub puller to separate.
12. Reverse procedure to install. Tightening to specifications, then stake nut, Fig. 5. Torque tie rod ending attaching nut to 22-33 ft. lbs.