Vehicles with torsion bar suspensions need a complete lift and support system before technicians can remove the tire and wheel. If your vehicle includes an electronic suspension control link rod you must disconnect this component from the sensor before supporting the
Control Arm with a safety stand. When replacing a Steering Knuckle in a torsion bar setup start by unloading torsion bars before proceeding to remove the Wheel Hub bearing assembly and then the tie rod from the Steering Knuckle. Use the j 43631 (
Ball Joint Remover) with j 45851 (Ball Joint Separator Protector Adapters) to separate the upper Ball Joint from the Steering Knuckle. Start by removing the upper Control Arm retaining nut then remove the brake hose bracket retaining bolt from the Steering Knuckle. The process to separate the lower Ball Joint from the Steering Knuckle uses the same tools to remove the retaining nut then install Ball Joint remover model j 43631 and separator protector adapters j 45851. Before reinstallation clean all threads and tapered areas of both ball joints and the Tie Rod End before inspecting the Steering Knuckle's tapered mounting surfaces. Replace the knuckle if you find elongated or damaged or misshaped holes. Thread the new Steering Knuckle onto the vehicle before installing the lower Ball Joint and securing its retaining nut with 100 nm (74 ft. Lbs.) torque. Fitting the retaining nut to the upper Ball Joint-aiming at 50 nm (37 ft. Lbs.) torque. Install the brake hose and the bracket retaining bolt to the Steering Knuckle before tightening the bolt to 9 nm (80 inch lbs.). Once that step is completed, add the outer tie rod to the Steering Knuckle and the Wheel Hub and bearing assembly. After connection of the esc link rod to the sensor (if equipped) you must install the tire and wheel along with loading torsion bars and removing safety stands before lowering the vehicle to perform wheel alignment verification steps.