Contents: Removal ↓ Installation ↓
Warning! Brake pads generate brake dust, which contains asbestos, which is harmful to health. Do not use compressed air or inhale the dust when cleaning brake pads.
Caution! Use only a special brake cleaner to clean brakes.
Removal
Remove the hub cap or wheel trim. On pre-2001 models, remove the cotter pin and loosen the locknut securing the drive shaft to the front wheel hub. On 2001 and later models, bend the flange of the nut back into the groove in the drive shaft.
With a socket wrench with a large shoulder (with an extension cord) loosen the nut that secures the wheel drive shaft to the hub.
Loosen the front wheel nuts, then raise the front of the vehicle and support it on jack stands. Remove the wheel.
Remove the caliper without disconnecting the brake hose. Using soft wire, hang the caliper on the front strut. Remove the brake disc from the hub.
If you have ABS, remove the front wheel speed sensor.
Mark the relative position of the lower part of the strut and the steering knuckle to avoid disturbing the wheel alignment during installation. Also note the position of the bolt heads as some vehicles were equipped with special adjusting bolts. Loosen, but do not remove, the nuts securing the lower portion of the strut to the steering knuckle.
Disconnect the steering rod from the steering knuckle.
Figure 12.11. Location of the bolt and nuts securing the ball joint to the lower arm of the front suspension
Remove the bolt and two nuts securing the ball joint to the lower arm of the front suspension (see Figure 12.11). Use a pry bar to separate the ball joint from the lower arm of the front suspension and remove it from the vehicle.
Unscrew the nut securing the drive shaft to the front wheel hub and remove the shaft from the front wheel hub. If the shaft cannot be removed from the hub by hand, knock it out with a mallet. Use soft wire to suspend the outer end of the shaft from the body; do not let it hang freely, as this may damage the inner CV joint of the shaft.
Figure 12.15. Using a puller to press the ball joint journal out of the steering knuckle
Remove the cotter pin from the ball joint journal and unscrew the nut securing the ball joint to the steering knuckle. Use a puller to push the ball joint pin out of the steering knuckle (figure 12.15). If the steering knuckle is being removed to replace the wheel bearing and the ball joint is in good condition, it may not need to be removed from the steering knuckle.
Figure 12.1. Loosening the nuts securing the lower part of the front suspension strut to the steering knuckle
(The original text is posted on: toyotaman)
Unscrew the two nuts and use a hammer and punch to knock out the two bolts securing the lower part of the strut to the steering knuckle (see Figure 12.1).
Separate the steering knuckle from the front suspension strut.
Note: Removing the hub and replacing the bearing requires specialized equipment, tools, and skills, so it is recommended that this work be performed at a service station. The only thing that can be done at home is to first remove the steering knuckle with the hub.
Installation
If the ball joint was removed from the steering knuckle, install it and secure it with a nut, tightening it to the torque specified in the technical data, and secure it with a cotter pin.
While moving the steering knuckle towards the vehicle, install the wheel drive shaft into the front wheel hub.
Connect the lower part of the strut to the steering knuckle, insert two bolts and screw nuts onto them without tightening them completely.
Install the lower arm onto the ball joint and secure it with the bolt and nuts, without tightening them completely.
Secure the steering rod to the steering knuckle.
Having aligned the previously applied marks, tighten the nuts securing the lower part of the strut to the steering knuckle and the bolt and nuts securing the ball joint to the lower arm.
Install the brake disc and caliper.
Screw on the nut that secures the wheel drive shaft to the hub. On 2001 and later models, use a new nut. Pre-tighten the nut.
Install the wheel and secure it with nuts. Lower the car.
On a wheeled vehicle, tighten the shaft nut to the hub completely to a torque of 216 Nm. For models before 2001, screw in the lock nut and use a cotter pin to secure it from turning away. On 2001 and later models, use a hammer and punch to tap the flange of the nut into the groove in the drive shaft.
Check and adjust the front wheel alignment angles if necessary.