Knuckle and Spindle

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1. Raise and safely support the front of the vehicle securely on jackstands.
2. If equipped, remove the speed sensor.
3. Remove the front brake caliper and disc.
4. Place a dial indicator near the center of the axle hub and check the backlash in the bearing shaft direction. maximum is 0.0020 inch (0.05mm). If the specification is greater than the specified amount, replace the hub.
5. On 4WD models, install the brake disc and caliper, the remove the cotter in and lock cap.
   1. Have an assistant apply the brakes and remove the nut.
   2. Once again, remove the caliper and disc.
6. Loosen the 2 nuts on the lower side of the shock absorber.

   NOTE: Do not remove the bolts!

7. Loosen the bolts for the lower ball joint. Once again, do not remove them.
8. Disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Discard the cotter pin.

   NOTE: A puller will be needed to separate the tie rod end from the knuckle.

9. Remove the 2 bolts on the lower ball joint and disconnect the steering knuckle.
   1. Remove the 2 nuts and bolts on the lower side of the shock absorber.
   2. Remove the steering knuckle with the axle hub.

      Fig. 1: Unbolt the lower ball joint . . .

      Fig. 2: . . . then remove the two nuts and bolts on the lower side of the strut

      NOTE: Be careful not to damage the speed sensor rotor (on models with ABS), oil seal and drive shaft boot.

      To install:

10. Position the steering knuckle and axle hub assembly.

    NOTE: Be careful not to damage the speed sensor rotor on models with ABS and the oil seal and driveshaft boot.

    1. Install the 2 bolts and temporarily tighten the nut.
    2. Temproarily install the 2 bolts and connect the steering knuckle and lower ball joint.
11. Attach the tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Be sure to use a new cotter pin. Tighten the tie rod end nut to 36 ft. lbs. (49 Nm).
12. Tighten the 2 nuts on the lower side of the shock absorber to 231 ft. lbs. (314 Nm).
    1. Tighten the 2 bolts on the lower ball joint to 94 ft. lbs. (127 Nm).
13. On 4WD models, install the brake disc and caliper.
    1. While a helper is applying the brakes, tighten the drive shaft locknut to:
       • 1991 — 137 ft lbs. (186 Nm)
       • 1992–93 models — 166 ft. lbs. (226 Nm)
       • 1994–97 models — 152 ft. lbs. (206 Nm)
    2. Install the lock cap and new cotter pin.
14. On models with a ABS speed sensor, secure the sensor to 69 inch lbs. (8 Nm).
15. Install the front wheel, hand tighten the lug nuts and lower the vehicle.
16. Tighten the lug nuts to specifications.
17. Check the front end alignment.