Ford 6W4Z-3K185-AA
Knuckle, Front Passenger Side

The steering knuckle service and repair process requires a vehicle located on a hoist in NEUTRAL gear position. Start the procedure by detaching the shock absorber and spring assembly whenever the upper arm requires removal. The hex holding feature will stop the stud from rotating when removing the nut from ball joints and stabilizer bar links. Service procedures must be followed according to illustration and table indications which specify the wheel bearing, hub, knuckle, upper arm, and lower arm component removal sequence. When handling the brake caliper along with pads and anchor plate ensure the caliper remains above the hose to prevent any possible damage. You must take the lower arm-to-frame bolt accessible by removing screws and pushpins and shield and then remove the attached nuts and bolts while setting the steering gear aside for the lower arm bolt removal. During lower arm installation it is necessary to check the front end assembly for alignment then wait for the weight of the vehicle to rest on its wheel and tire assemblies before tightening the frame-to-lower arm nuts. It is important to check and align the upper arm before finally tightening the upper arm-to-body nuts at the end of installation. Lightly lubricate the bearing/knuckle mating surfaces of the wheel bearing and hub assembly just before assembly.

Steering knuckle servicing or repairs start with uninstalling both the wheel bearing and hub assembly. First apply the hex holding feature to stop the stud turning before removing the nut then take off the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle and throw out the nut. You need to suspend the knuckle weight by using a jack stand after taking off the lower control arm. You can use the hex holding feature to stop the stud from rotating as you remove the nut because the process will keep the tapered ball joint washer secure. Remove the suspension lower arm from the knuckle before discarding the nut. A jack stand should sustain the knuckle weight during removal to protect against upper control arm damage. The upper and lower arm-to-knuckle nuts need replacement as they have a torque prevailing structure. First put the tapered washer onto the ball joints and then install the upper and lower control arms onto the knuckle. The installation process should be completed by following all removal steps in reverse order while tightening parts to specified torque specs.

Begin steering knuckle servicing and repair work by setting the vehicle to NEUTRAL position and hoisting it. Steering knuckle upper arm service starts by removing the shock absorber followed by the spring assembly. Perform the removal procedures for separate suspension components exactly as shown in the illustrations. The brake caliper cannot be attached to the hose during its removal process so protect the caliper from damage. The lower arm-to-frame bolt requires removal of screws and pushpins followed byapsulation of the bolt to access it so you can take out the nuts and bolts thereby moving the steering gear toward the side before removing the lower arm bolt. Check and align the front end during lower arm installation when needed before tightening the frame-to-arm nuts when wheel and tire assembly weight is on the vehicle. The front end alignment needs to happen before upper arm-to-body nuts receive any tightening force since wheel and tire assembly weight must be present during installation completion. During wheel bearing and hub assembly installation apply a tiny amount of lubricant on the surfaces between the bearing and knuckle.

Service and repair of the steering knuckle starts with hub bearing removal followed by hub removal. You should use the hex holding feature on the stud to avoid turning it when removing its nut before disconnecting the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle and discarding this nut. A jack stand should be used to carry the knuckle weight after you disconnect the lower control arm. The hex holding feature should be used while removing the stud to prevent turning motion since the tapered washer from the ball joint needs to stay in place. Discard the nut after you detach the knuckle from the tapered washer through the nut removal process. For safe installation of the knuckle to the upper control arm always use a jack stand to suspend the weight because without it damaging could occur. A torque prevailing design characterizes the upper arm-to-knuckle nut and the lower arm-to-knuckle nut and tie-rod-to-knuckle nut components so new nuts need to be used. Install the knuckle by putting the tapered washer onto the ball joint attachments prior to upper and lower control arm attachment to the knuckle. The installation process ends by following specified torque values in reverse order to achieve proper part retention.

Tighten the new nut to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.) upon installation.

Support the weight of the knuckle with a suitable jack stand after disconnecting the lower control arm.

First take out the shock absorber and spring assembly.

They are of a torque prevailing design, requiring new nuts for installation.