Tools Required

1. Scribe the strut mount cover for installation purposes.
2. Loosen the three strut mount cover nuts.
3. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
4. Remove the tire and the wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
5. Remove the brake caliper and mounting bracket. Refer to Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement in Front Disc Brakes.
6. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement in Front Disc Brakes.
7. Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor.



8. Push drive axle through wheel hub/bearing splines.



9. Remove the wheel hub and bearing to knuckle attaching bolts (2).



10. Remove the ball joint heat shield retaining bolts and the heat shield.




Notice: Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.

11. Separate the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement in Power Steering.
12. Remove the lower ball joint to knuckle attaching nut. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement
13. Use J 35917 in order to separate the ball joint from the lower control arm.



14. Remove the three strut mount cover nuts (3).
15. Remove the knuckle/strut from the vehicle.

1. Install the strut mount cover and the upper strut mount to body attaching nuts. Do not tighten the strut mount cover nuts at this time. Tighten the nuts after lowering the vehicle to the floor (3).




Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

2. Install the ball joint heat shield and the attaching bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the ball joint heat shield retaining bolts to 7 N·m (62 lb in).




3. Install the lower ball joint to the control arm. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement
4. Install the tie rod to knuckle attaching nut. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement
5. Carefully install the drive axle through the opening in the knuckle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Drive Axle.



6. Install the hub and bearing-to-knuckle attaching bolts (2). Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Bearing Replacement in Front Suspension.
7. Connect ABS wheel speed sensor. Refer to Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement or Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement .
8. Install the brake rotor. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement in Front Disc Brakes.
9. Install the brake caliper and mounting bracket. Refer to Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement in Front Disc Brakes.
10. Install the tire and the wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Align the scribe marks and tighten the strut mount cover nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the strut mount cover nuts to 33 N·m (24 lb ft).