Ford Ecosport: Front Suspension / Removal and Installation - Wheel Knuckle

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

	204-161 (T97P-1175-A) Installer, Halfshaft TKIT-1997-LM2 TKIT-1997-F/FM2 TKIT-1997-FLM2
	205-D070 (D93P-1175-B) Remover, Front Wheel Hub
Tie Rod End Remover

Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified.

1. Remove the wheel center cap.
   

1. Loosen the wheel hub nut one complete turn.
   

1. Remove the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheel and Tire (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove the bolt, detach the retainer and position aside the front wheel speed sensor.
   Torque: 80 lb.in (9 Nm)

1. NOTICE: Do not tighten the front wheel hub nut with the vehicle on the ground. The nut must be tightened to specification before the vehicle is lowered onto the wheels. Wheel bearing damage will occur if the wheel bearing is loaded with the weight of the vehicle applied.

   NOTICE: Install and tighten the new wheel hub nut to specification in a continuous rotation. Always install a new wheel hub nut after loosening or when not tightened to specification in a continuous rotation or damage to the components may occur.

   NOTE: This step requires the aid of another technician.

   While an assistant applies the brake, remove and discard the wheel hub nut.
   

1. NOTICE: Do not bend the inner joint more than 18 degrees and the outer joint more than 45 degrees. Damage to the halfshaft will occur.

   Using the special tool, press the halfshaft from the wheel bearing and hub. Support the halfshaft in a level position.
   Use Special Service Tool: 205-D070 (D93P-1175-B)  Remover, Front Wheel Hub.

1. NOTICE: Do not use a prying device or separator fork between the ball joint and the wheel knuckle. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may result. Only use the pry bar by inserting it into the lower arm body opening.

   NOTICE: Use care when releasing the lower arm and wheel knuckle into the resting position or damage to the ball joint seal may occur.

   Remove and discard the lower ball joint pinch bolt and nut and separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
   Torque: 38 lb.ft (52 Nm)

1. NOTICE: Do not use a hammer to separate the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle may result.

   NOTICE: Use care when installing the tie rod separator or damage to the outer tie-rod end boot may occur.

   NOTICE: Make sure that the ball joint ball does not rotate.

   Remove and discard the tie rod end nut and separate the tie rod end from the wheel knuckle.
   Use the General Equipment: Tie Rod End Remover
   Torque: 39 lb.ft (53 Nm)

1. Remove the brake disc shield.
   Refer to: Brake Disc Shield (206-03 Front Disc Brake, Removal and Installation).
   

1. 
   
   1. Remove and discard the front strut and spring assembly-to-wheel knuckle bolts and nuts
      Torque:
        Stage 1:  59 lb.ft (80 Nm)
        Stage 2:  90°
   2. Position the halfshaft and remove the wheel knuckle.
      

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   Remove the front wheel bearing and wheel hub.
   Refer to: Front Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
   

Installation

NOTICE: Tighten the suspension bushing fasteners with the suspension loaded or with the weight of the vehicle resting on the wheels and tires, otherwise incorrect clamp load and bushing damage may occur.

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   

1. Using special tool, pull the halfshaft into the front wheel bearing and wheel hub.
   Use Special Service Tool: 204-161 (T97P-1175-A)  Installer, Halfshaft.

1. NOTICE: Do not tighten the front wheel hub nut with the vehicle on the ground. The nut must be tightened to specification before the vehicle is lowered onto the wheels. Wheel bearing damage will occur if the wheel bearing is loaded with the weight of the vehicle applied.

   NOTICE: Install and tighten the new wheel hub nut to specification in a continuous rotation. Always install a new wheel hub nut after loosening or when not tightened to specification in a continuous rotation or damage to the components may occur.

   NOTE: This step requires the aid of another technician.

   While an assistant applies the brake, install the new wheel hub nut.
   Torque: 188 lb.ft (255 Nm)

1. Install the wheel center cap.