How to service and repair the steering knuckle on Ford Explorer?

Start the service or repair of steering knuckles by removing the wheel along with the tire. Place the caliper and anchor plate assembly on mechanic's wire to avoid damage after bolt removal until you discard the bolts. Operation of new bolts during reinstallation requires a torque setting of 165 Nm (122 lb-ft). Service the steering knuckle by first removing the brake disc then separating the wheel speed sensor connector pin-type retainers as well as disconnecting the electrical connector. Install the wheel knuckle bolt that holds the wheel speed sensor harness so it reaches 8 Nm (71 lb-in) torque after installation. Replace the discarding tie-rod end nut with a new one then secure it at 103 Nm (76 lb-ft). The tie rod must be separated from the wheel knuckle through a C-Frame and Screw process to protect against damage from hammer use. The removal of the lower ball joint nut should be permanent according to specifications but new nut installation requires torqueing it to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft). A 2-Jaw Puller should separate the lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle without causing damage to the joint. When replacing the upper ball joint nut install it at 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). To remove the wheel knuckle utilize the C-Frame connected to the Screw tool for separating the upper ball joint. The process ends with reversing the removal steps and verifying front end alignment then possible adjustments if needed.

OEM Ford Explorer Steering Knuckle

Front Steering Knuckle

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13 Steering Knuckles found

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Ford Explorer Knuckle, Front Driver Side Part Number: BB5Z-3K186-A
$136.14 MSRP: $224.00
You Save: $87.86 (40%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Knuckle - Front Wheel; Steering Knuckle, Front Left
- Position: Front Driver Side
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2011-2019 Ford Explorer | Base, Limited, Platinum, Sport, XLT | 4 Cyl 2.0 L GAS, 4 Cyl 2.3 L GAS, 6 Cyl 3.5 L GAS
View related parts
Ford Explorer Knuckle, Front Passenger Side Part Number: BB5Z-3K185-A
$136.14 MSRP: $224.00
You Save: $87.86 (40%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Knuckle - Front Wheel; Steering Knuckle, Front Right
- Position: Front Passenger Side
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2011-2019 Ford Explorer | Base, Limited, Platinum, Sport, XLT | 4 Cyl 2.0 L GAS, 4 Cyl 2.3 L GAS, 6 Cyl 3.5 L GAS
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Ford Explorer Knuckle, Front Driver Side Part Number: F87Z-3K186-CA
$545.46 MSRP: $754.58
You Save: $209.12 (28%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Knuckle - Front Wheel; Steering Knuckle, Front Left
- Manufacturer Note: L.H., 4x4 without pulse vacuum hub locks
- Position: Front Driver Side
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1998-2001 Ford Explorer | Eddie Bauer, Limited, Postal, Sport, XL, XL Fleet, XLS, XLT | 6 Cyl 4.0 L GAS, 8 Cyl 5.0 L GAS
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Ford Explorer Knuckle, Front Passenger Side Part Number: LB5Z-3K185-A
$217.24 MSRP: $348.00
You Save: $130.76 (38%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Knuckle - Front Wheel; Steering Knuckle, Front Right
- Position: Front Passenger Side
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2020-2023 Ford Explorer | Limited Hybrid, Platinum Hybrid | 6 Cyl 3.3 L FULL HYBRID EV-GAS (FHEV)
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Ford Explorer Knuckle, Front Driver Side Part Number: LB5Z-3K186-B
$212.25 MSRP: $340.00
You Save: $127.75 (38%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Knuckle - Front Wheel; Steering Knuckle, Front Left
- Position: Front Driver Side
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2020-2023 Ford Explorer | Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, ST, ST-Line, Timberline, XLT | 4 Cyl 2.3 L GAS, 6 Cyl 3.0 L GAS
View related parts
Ford Explorer Knuckle, Front Driver Side Part Number: LB5Z-3K186-A
$217.24 MSRP: $348.00
You Save: $130.76 (38%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Knuckle - Front Wheel; Steering Knuckle, Front Left
- Position: Front Driver Side
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2020-2023 Ford Explorer | Limited Hybrid, Platinum Hybrid | 6 Cyl 3.3 L FULL HYBRID EV-GAS (FHEV)
View related parts
Ford Explorer Knuckle, Front Passenger Side Part Number: LB5Z-3K185-B
$211.00 MSRP: $338.00
You Save: $127.00 (38%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Knuckle - Front Wheel; Steering Knuckle, Front Right
- Position: Front Passenger Side
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2020-2023 Ford Explorer | Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, ST, ST-Line, Timberline, XLT | 4 Cyl 2.3 L GAS, 6 Cyl 3.0 L GAS
View related parts
Ford Explorer Knuckle, Front Driver Side Part Number: 7L2Z-3K186-A
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Knuckle - Front Wheel; Steering Knuckle, Front Left
- Position: Front Driver Side
- Replaces: 6L2Z-3K186-A
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2006-2010 Ford Explorer | Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLS, XLT | 6 Cyl 4.0 L GAS, 8 Cyl 4.6 L GAS
View related parts
Ford Explorer Knuckle, Front Driver Side Part Number: 2L2Z-3K186-BA
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Knuckle - Front Wheel; Steering Knuckle, Front Left
- Position: Front Driver Side
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2002-2005 Ford Explorer | Eddie Bauer, Limited, NBX, Postal, XLS, XLS Sport, XLT, XLT Sport | 6 Cyl 4.0 L FLEX, 6 Cyl 4.0 L GAS, 8 Cyl 4.6 L GAS
View related parts
Ford Explorer Knuckle, Front Passenger Side Part Number: 2L2Z-3K185-BA
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Knuckle - Front Wheel; Steering Knuckle, Front Right
- Position: Front Passenger Side
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2002-2005 Ford Explorer | Eddie Bauer, Limited, NBX, Postal, XLS, XLS Sport, XLT, XLT Sport | 6 Cyl 4.0 L FLEX, 6 Cyl 4.0 L GAS, 8 Cyl 4.6 L GAS
View related parts
Ford Explorer Knuckle, Driver Side Part Number: F3TZ3131E
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Arm - Steering Spindle
- Position: Driver Side
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1991-1994 Ford Explorer | Eddie Bauer, Limited, Sport, XL, XLT | 6 Cyl 4.0 L GAS
View related parts
Ford Explorer Knuckle, Front Passenger Side Part Number: 7L2Z-3K185-A
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Knuckle - Front Wheel; Steering Knuckle, Front Right
- Position: Front Passenger Side
- Replaces: 6L2Z-3K185-A
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2006-2010 Ford Explorer | Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLS, XLT | 6 Cyl 4.0 L GAS, 8 Cyl 4.6 L GAS
View related parts
Ford Explorer Knuckle, Front Passenger Side Part Number: F87Z-3K185-CA
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Knuckle - Front Wheel; Steering Knuckle, Front Right
- Manufacturer Note: R.H., 4x4 without pulse vacuum hub locks
- Position: Front Passenger Side
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1998-2001 Ford Explorer | Eddie Bauer, Limited, Postal, Sport, XL, XL Fleet, XLS, XLT | 6 Cyl 4.0 L GAS, 8 Cyl 5.0 L GAS

Ford Explorer Steering Knuckle

OEM Steering Knuckle boasts unmatched quality. Each part goes through full quality checks. They adhere to Ford's official factory standards. These steps remove flaws and inconsistencies. So you can get Steering Knuckle with long life and a perfect fit. Come to our website and find genuine Ford Explorer parts. We keep a wide inventory of OEM Explorer parts at the highly affordable prices. It's easy to search, compare, and pick what you need. You'll love the clear info and simple checkout. We offer top-rated customer service, and we reply fast. We also ship promptly to ensure your order arrives on time.

This article features the Steering Knuckle and clearly shows how such an item holds perfection that consumers associate with the Ford label. Sitting in between the suspension and the steering systems, the Steering Knuckle is responsible for vertically and horizontally positioning the wheel for the premier performance possible in all types of terrains. It is suitable for numerous Ford Explorer generations; RWD and FWD/AWD/4WD configurations, the Steering Knuckle aims to increase the performance and security of the car. They have progressed from kingpins to modern ball joints thus showing Ford's determination to improve on its products as they come up with a more reliable product in the market. Steering Knuckle should be checked often, specially after a new suspension part is installed, so as to retain its functionality and durability. One of the most successful vehicles in the USA auto-market is the Ford Explorer; the vehicle has been in production for years and has changed its design to suit the needs of the consumers and it is here that the Steering Knuckle becomes notable. Additions on the Steering Knuckle serve the purpose of getting the premier aerodynamics and handling making the drive smoother thereby improving the safety aspect of the car. That is why Ford's Explorer Steering Knuckle underlines once again its commitment to providing not only efficient, but also safe driving experience in the Ford Explorer.

Ford Explorer Steering Knuckle Parts and Q&A

Knuckle, Front Driver Side
7L2Z-3K186-A
Q: How to service and repair the steering knuckle on Ford Explorer?
A:
Start the service or repair of steering knuckles by removing the wheel along with the tire. Place the caliper and anchor plate assembly on mechanic's wire to avoid damage after bolt removal until you discard the bolts. Operation of new bolts during reinstallation requires a torque setting of 165 Nm (122 lb-ft). Service the steering knuckle by first removing the Brake Disc then separating the wheel speed sensor connector pin-type retainers as well as disconnecting the electrical connector. Install the wheel knuckle bolt that holds the wheel speed sensor harness so it reaches 8 Nm (71 lb-in) torque after installation. Replace the discarding tie-rod end nut with a new one then secure it at 103 Nm (76 lb-ft). The tie rod must be separated from the wheel knuckle through a C-Frame and Screw process to protect against damage from hammer use. The removal of the lower ball joint nut should be permanent according to specifications but new nut installation requires torqueing it to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft). A 2-Jaw Puller should separate the lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle without causing damage to the joint. When replacing the upper ball joint nut install it at 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). To remove the wheel knuckle utilize the C-Frame connected to the Screw tool for separating the upper ball joint. The process ends with reversing the removal steps and verifying front end alignment then possible adjustments if needed.