Installation - 4X2; Knuckle Description; Operation; Removal - Dodge dakota 2002 Service Manual

DR
HUB / BEARING (Continued)
(4) Install the ABS wheel speed sensor if equipped
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/FRONT
WHEEL SPEED SENSOR - INSTALLATION).
(5) Install the upper ball joint nut to the steering
knuckle and tighten to 54 N·m (40 ft. lbs.) (on 1500
series only an additional 90° turn).
(6) Install the tie rod end nut to the steering
knuckle and tighten to 61 N·m (45 ft. lbs.) then an
additional 90°.
(7) Install the halfshaft nut and tighten to 251
N·m (185 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install the wheel and tire assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(9) Remove the support and lower vehicle.

INSTALLATION - 4X2

(1) Install the brake dust shield (Fig. 15).
(2) Install the hub/bearing into the steering
knuckle and tighten the bolts to 163 N·m (120 ft.
lbs.) (Fig. 15).
(3) Install the brake rotor and caliper (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS
INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the ABS wheel speed sensor if equipped
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/FRONT
WHEEL SPEED SENSOR - INSTALLATION) (Fig.
15).
(5) Install the wheel and tire assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(6) Remove the support and lower vehicle.
KNUCKLE
DESCRIPTION
The knuckle is a single casting with legs machined
for the upper and lower ball joints. The knuckle also
has machined mounting locations for the front brake
calipers and hub bearing.

OPERATION

The steering knuckle pivot between the upper and
lower ball joint. Steering linkage attached to the
knuckle allows the vehicle to be steered.

REMOVAL

(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the brake caliper, rotor (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS
REMOVAL), shield and ABS wheel speed sensor if
equipped (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/ELECTRICAL/
FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the front halfshaft nut (if equipped).
FRONT - INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
(5) Remove the tie rod end nut. Separate the tie
rod from the knuckle with Remover 8677.
CAUTION: When installing Remover 8677 to sepa-
rate the ball joint, be careful not to damage the ball
joint seal.
(6) Remove the upper ball joint nut. Separate the
ball joint from the knuckle with Remover 8677 (Fig.
17)
-
Fig. 17 STEERING KNUCKLE
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - SHOCK
3 - HALFSHAFT
4 - DISC BRAKE CALIPER
5 - HUB/BEARING
(7) Remove the lower ball joint nut. Separate the
ball joint from the knuckle with Remover 8677 (Fig.
18) and remove the knuckle.
-
Fig. 18 LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATION
1 - STEERING KNUCKLE
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8677
2 - 17