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Steering Knuckle

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Millenia
  1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
  2. Lock the hub by having a helper apply the brakes firmly. Remove the locknut.
  3. Remove the brake caliper assembly and disc plate.
  4. Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor cable mounting bolts.
  5. Disconnect the tie-rod end, upper leading link and upper lateral link.
  6. Remove the lower arm ball joint.
  7. Remove the front wheel hub and steering knuckle as an assembly.

    To install:

  8. Replace the knuckle/hub assembly to the vehicle and install the lower arm ball joint. Torque the ball joint mounting bolts to 58–86 ft. lbs. (79–116 Nm). Torque the ball joint nut to 86–115 ft. lbs. (116–156 Nm).
  9. Connect the upper lateral link ball joint and torque the nut to 41–59 ft. lbs. (55–80 Nm).
  10. Connect the upper leading link ball joint and torque the nut to 28–38 ft. lbs. (38–51 Nm).
  11. Connect the tie-rod end and torque the nut to 41–59 ft. lbs. (55–80 Nm).
  12. Install the ABS wheel speed sensor and torque the bolts to 14–18 ft. lbs. (19–25 Nm).
  13. Install the disc plate and caliper assembly.
  14. Install a NEW locknut and torque to 174–235 ft. lbs. (236–318 Nm).
Except Millenia
  1. Raise and safely support the vehicle. Remove the front wheel and tire assemblies.
  2. Uncrimp the tab on the center locknut and remove the locknut. Discard the old locknut.
  3. Remove the caliper assembly from the knuckle. Do not disconnect the brake lines. Support the caliper with a piece of wire. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the hose at any time. Remove the brake disc.
  4. Remove the tie rod end from the steering knuckle.

    Fig. 1: Exploded view of a typical steering knuckle assembly

  5. Remove the stabilizer upper nuts and remove the stabilizer link bolt.
  6. Remove the lower ball joint pinch bolt and nut. Separate the ball joint from the knuckle assembly.
  7. Remove the ABS speed sensor if so equipped.
  8. Using a plastic mallet, tap the driveshaft free of the knuckle assembly. Remove the knuckle assembly.

    To install:

  9. Install the bearing/hub and knuckle assembly in place. Loosely tighten the knuckle to shock absorber bolt.
  10. Install the lower arm ball joint to the knuckle and tighten the pinch bolt.
  11. Install the driveshaft to the knuckle assembly.
  12. Install the stabilizer control link.
  13. If equipped with ABS, install the wheel speed sensor and tighten the bolts to 12–17 ft. lbs. (16–23Nm).
  14. Connect the tie rod ends to the knuckle. Replace the cotter pins.
  15. Install a new wheel hub lock nut and tighten the locknut to 174–235 ft. lbs. (235–319 Nm).
  16. Check the end play of the wheel bearing by installing a dial indicator against the wheel hub and try to move the hub back and forth. There should be no more than 0.0079 inch (0.2mm) of free play present.
  17. Stake the locknut into place by bending it into the groove.
  18. Install the brake caliper(s).
  19. Install the front wheels and lower the vehicle.
  20. With the vehicle lowered check all of the bolts and re-torque as necessary.
  21. Inspect the front end alignment and adjust as necessary.

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