Table of contents: Removal ↓ Installation ↓
Warning! Remember that the dust generated during operation of the brake mechanisms may contain asbestos, which is extremely harmful to human health. Never blow off dust with compressed air or inhale it - wear a protective mask or respirator when servicing the mechanisms. Never use gasoline or petroleum-based solvents to wipe the brake system components - use only branded cleaning agents or methyl alcohol!
Removal
1. Remove the wheel trim cap or hub nut cover. Remove the cotter pin and press back the lock washer flag, then loosen the hub nut (see Chapter Clutch and drive shafts).
Note: If the socket head does not fit through the hole in the center of the wheel, temporarily install the spare tire in place of the wheel.
2. Loosen the wheel nuts, jack up the front of the car and place it on supports. Remove the wheel.
3. Remove the brake caliper and brake disc (see Chapter Brake system). Release the brake hose from the bracket on the pillar assembly. On ABS-equipped models, disconnect the wiring harness and remove the wheel sensor.
4. Loosen the nuts securing the suspension strut to the steering knuckle, but do not knock out the mounting bolts yet.
5. Release the steering tie rod end from the steering knuckle arm (see section Removal and installation tie rod ends).
6. Release the ball joint from the steering knuckle assembly (see section Removal and installation the front suspension control arm).
7. Knock out the mounting bolts and separate the steering knuckle from the strut assembly, while simultaneously pushing the drive shaft journal out of the wheel hub (if the shaft is "stuck", use a hammer and brass drift). Tie the released drive shaft to the suspension components with wire.
Installation
1. Lubricate the splines of the drive shaft journal with universal grease. Place the steering knuckle assembly in its regular place, thread the drive shaft journal into the hub.
2. Insert the knuckle into the strut flange, thread the bolts through, then screw on, but do not tighten, the mounting nuts.
3. Connect the suspension control arm to the steering knuckle (see section Removal and installation the front suspension control arm).
4. Insert the steering tie rod end into the knuckle arm (see section Removal and installation tie rod ends). Tighten the nuts of the strut mounting bolts, as well as the support fastener to the lever and the tie rod end nut to the required torque.
5. Install the brake disc and other brake components onto the hub (see Chapter Brake system).
6. Screw on the hub nut and tighten it firmly, but not completely yet.
7. Install the wheel. Lower the vehicle to the ground and tighten the wheel nuts to the required torque (see Chapter Settings and ongoing maintenance).
8. Finally tighten the hub nut to the required force, do not forget to secure it with a new cotter pin (see Chapter Clutch and drive shafts).