Q: How Do You Remove and Install a Front Hub and Steering Knuckle Assembly?
A: To remove the front hub and steering knuckle assembly, start by removing the hub cap, cotter pin, nut lock, and spring washer with the vehicle weight resting on the front suspension. Loosen the drive axle/hub nut and wheel lug nuts without completely removing them. Then, raise the front of the vehicle, secure it on jackstands, and remove the wheel. Proceed to remove the brake caliper, pads, and caliper mounting bracket from the steering knuckle, and hang the caliper out of the way. Disconnect the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle and loosen the strut-to-steering knuckle bolts. Detach the ground strap bracket and ABS sensor harness bracket from the strut if equipped. Also, detach the control arm Ball Joint from the steering knuckle. With the knuckle and hub assembly in the straight-ahead position, pull it directly out and off the drive axle splines, being careful not to pull the drive axle out. You may need to tap on the axle end with a soft-face hammer to dislodge it from the hub. Secure the end of the drive axle with wire to prevent damage. To install the new hub and steering knuckle assembly, clean the CV joint boot and hub grease seal with solvent, then lubricate the CV joint wear sleeve and seal contact surface, as well as the splines at the end of the drive axle with multi-purpose grease. Carefully place the knuckle and hub assembly in position, align the splines of the axle and hub, and slide the hub into place. Install the strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts, followed by the ball joint pinch bolt and nut. Reattach the tie-rod end to the steering knuckle, then install the brake disc, caliper mounting bracket, pads, and caliper. Reattach the ground strap and ABS sensor harness bracket(s) to the strut. Install the washer and drive axle/hub nut, tightening it securely. Install the wheels and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts. Finally, tighten the drive axle/hub nut, install the spring washer, nut lock, and a new cotter pin, and if applicable, have the front end alignment checked and adjusted if special camber adjusting bolts have been installed.