Tools Required

J 23742 Ball Joint Separator

Caution: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.

Caution: Floor jack must remain under the lower control arm during removal and installation to retain the lower control arm in position. Failure to do so could result in personal injury.

1. Raise the front of the vehicle. Place safety stands under the control arms.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
3. Disconnect the tie rod from the steering knuckle. Refer to Tie Rod Replacement in Steering Linkage.

Notice: Support the caliper with a piece of wire to prevent damage to the brake line.

4. Remove the front brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
5. Remove the hub/rotor. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .




Important: Do not damage the seal.

6. Remove the steering knuckle seal.
7. Remove the three bolts that attach the splash shield to the knuckle.
8. Using the J 23742 separate the upper and the lower ball joint studs from the steering knuckle. Refer to Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement , or to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .
9. Remove the wheel speed sensor from the steering knuckle. Refer to Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement in Antilock Brake System.



10. Remove the knuckle.

10.1.

Clean the steering knuckle.

10.2.

Inspect the steering knuckle tapered hole. If this tapered hole is out-of-round, deformed, or damaged, replace the knuckle.

1. Install the wheel speed sensor in the steering knuckle. Refer to Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement in Antilock Brake System.



2. Install the upper and lower ball joints into the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement , or to Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement .
3. Install the steering knuckle seal.





4. Install the splash shield to the steering knuckle.

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.

5. Install the bolts to the splash shield.

Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 24 N·m (18 lb ft).

6. Install the tie rod end into the knuckle. Refer to Tie Rod Replacement in Steering Linkage.
7. Install the hub/rotor. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
8. Adjust the wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearing Adjustment .
9. Install the front brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
10. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
11. Remove the safety stands.
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.