Maintenance, Service, and Repair
7. Remove the ball joints or rod ends from the steering
knuckles.
NOTE: Refer to the
8. Remove the tie rod as an assembly.
9. Install in reverse order.
10. Realign the front wheels.
NOTE: Refer to the
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Reconnect the main positive and negative cables at the batteries.
13. Remove the blocks from behind the wheels.
14. Release the park brake and test drive the vehicle.
REPLACE THE KING PINS AND BUSHINGS
There are different types of king pin bushings depending on the configuration of your vehicle.
•
Bronze bushings in the axle beam.
•
Bronze bushings in the steering knuckle.
•
Metal backed teflon bushings in the axle beam.
Refer to the illustration below for the type of bushing in your vehicle.
Replacing the Ball
Joints
section for information
regarding the removal of the ball joints
or rod ends.
Steering
information regarding realignment of
the front wheels.
The bronze bushings must be reamed or broached to the proper
diameter after they are pressed into the axle beam or steering knuckle.
Failure to broach or ream the bushings may result in steering dificulty
and loss of control of the vehicle causing severe bodily injury and /or
property damage.
Front Axle
Steering Knuckle
section for
Typical Front Axle Assembly
Page 12
Tie Rod