OEM Ford Thunderbird Steering Knuckle

Ford Thunderbird Steering Knuckle Parts and Q&A

• Knuckle, Front Passenger Side
  4W4Z-3K185-BA
  Q: How to Ensure Proper Maintenance of the Steering Knuckle on a Ford Thunderbird?

  A:

  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.
• Knuckle, Front Passenger Side
  6W4Z-3K185-AA
  Q: How to service and repair the front steering knuckle on Ford Thunderbird?

  A:

  A hoist-mounted vehicle operating in neutral position should be the starting point for front steering knuckle repair and servicing work. Start by removing the Shock Absorber with spring assembly when servicing front steering components from the upper arm region. Apply the step-by-step instructions presented in drawings and charts when following procedures and employ the hex tool to control the stud until the nut releases from stabilizer bar links and ball joints. The caliper and its pads together with the anchor plate must be managed in a way that prevents the caliper from using the hose to support its weight since this causes damage. The disposal of the upper arm-to-body nut requires discarding it alongside the power steering fluid reservoir removal followed by disconnecting both the fluid level sensor connector and Brake Master Cylinder main pressure transducer electrical connector if present. For proper access to master cylinder bolts start by removing reservoir bolt then writer two brake master cylinder nuts before setting master cylinder aside. The first step to access lower arm-to-frame bolts is to remove screws and pushpins and shield. Position the steering gear to the side before taking out the lower arm bolt. Before installing the lower arm it is important to check the front end alignment. Wait to secure the lower arm-to-frame nuts and upper arm-to-body nuts until installation completion and tire plus wheel assembly support requires the vehicle weight. The installation of wheel bearing and hub assembly requires a light application of lubricant on the bearing/knuckle mating surfaces.