Ford 5W1Z-3K186-A
Knuckle, Front Driver Side

Start work on steering knuckle service and repair by disconnecting electrical power from air suspension because sudden air spring deflation or inflation can make the vehicle shift during operations. Start the procedure by flipping off the air suspension service switch followed by hub bearing and wheel hub removal. The holding feature will stop the stud from rotating to enable the nut removal before separating the wheel knuckle from the tie-rod. The suspension should maintain the rebound position while using a suitable jack stand to lift the suspension arms because the stabilizer bar links remain under pressure. To stop the stud from rotation use the holding feature when removing both the nut and discard the nut and stabilizer bar link. You should extract the retainer from the stabilizer bar. Afterward repeat the holding process to stop the stud from rotating as you remove the nut and discard it. Use the holding feature on the stud to prevent turning while removing and discarding the nut after which you should remove the wheel knuckle from the assembly. Install new components by performing the removal steps in reverse order and inspect the front end alignment before making adjustments.

One must disconnect electrical power from the air suspension system before repair work starts on the steering knuckle since unexpected air spring inflation or deflation may cause vehicle shifts during hoisting or jacking or towing procedures. The service switch for the air suspension must be deactivated. You must begin by removing both the wheel bearing along with the hub. The holding feature protects the stud from rotating so remove the nut before separating the tie-rod from the wheel knuckle. Raising the suspension arms with a suitable jack stand allows you to relieve pressure on stabilizer bar links during the rebound position. Apply the holding feature to stop the stud from rotating before you discard both the nut and stabilizer bar link. Use the holding feature to stop the stud from rotating during the discarding of the nut after removing the retainer. The procedure ends with removing the nut from the wheel knuckle while discarding it. The installation of new components requires performing the opposite steps from removal and verifying front end alignment then adjusting as needed.

To avoid component failure and subsequent major service expenses while servicing the steering knuckle it is essential to replace suspension fasteners with new parts of original or equivalent quality that match the part numbers. Deactivate the fire suppression system first since it presents a risk of major injury. Detach the wheel together with the tire before gently placing the caliper and anchor plate away from the brake hose. Maintain the assembly in place with mechanic's wire attached to 160 Nm (118 lb-ft). The procedure requires the brake disc removal followed by rubber splash shield adjustment and wheel speed sensor electrical connector disconnection. Use the hex-holding feature to stop the stud rotation for outer tie rod nut removal before you disconnect it from the wheel knuckle, tighten the new nut to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft). After disposing of the old stabilizer bar link upper nut users should install a new nut which requires a torque of 63 Nm (46 lb-ft). Remove both stabilizer link lower nuts before discarding them while installing new nuts which need to be tightened to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). First detach the wheel speed sensor wiring harness retainer from the steering knuckle before removing and discarding the upper ball joint nut by tightening the new nut to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) torque specification. Install the wheel knuckle by first discarding then tightening the new lower ball joint nut to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) torque. The procedure for wheel bearing and wheel hub installation requires new bolts which should be tightened to 120 Nm (89 lb-ft) after bolt removal. The front end needs checking and front-end alignment during reinstallation. Repower the fire suppression system if present and always follow safety warnings to prevent serious personal injury when performing these steps.

The wheel knuckle installation and removal process should start after the air suspension system electrical power has been turned off to avoid unexpected air spring movement that would cause unexpected vehicle shifts. First disable the air suspension service switch before removing the wheel bearing along with hub component. The holding function will stop the stud from rotating as you remove the nut for detaching the tie-rod from the wheel knuckle. You should elevate each suspension arm with suitable jack stands until the stabilizer bar links lose their pressure while in the rebound position. Under the holding feature secure the stud to prevent turning while you remove and dispose of the nut then remove the stabilizer bar link before discarding the nut. Use the holding feature to stop the stud from rotating during the process of removing and getting rid of the nut. Complete the task by removing the nut from the wheel knuckle along with the discarding of the nut itself. The installation of the new wheel knuckle should start with the opposite steps of removal followed by front end alignment testing for proper adjustments.

Raise the suspension arms with a suitable jack stand.

Raise the suspension arms with a suitable jack stand until the pressure is released from the stabilizer bar links.

Remove the four bolts securing them and tighten the new bolts to 120 Nm (89 lb-ft) upon installation.

Detach the wiring harness retainer from the steering knuckle.

Remove it and the stabilizer bar link, discard the nut, and tighten the new one to 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.) during installation.

Repower it if applicable.

Tighten the new nut to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).

Detach the tie-rod from the wheel knuckle.

Raise the suspension arms with a suitable jack stand to release the pressure on the stabilizer bar links.

The same process as the upper ball joint nut, discarding the old nut and tightening the new nut to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).