Write-up for Replacing Steering Knuckle?

[Fjatheart]

After looking at some rust and pitting on my steering knuckles I've decided to replace them. While doing so, I'm going to replace the upper ball joints and replace wheel bearings and seals. (Lower LBJ's already replaced.) Is there a write-up or step by step on doing this job? FSM's are close to $150:/

Planning to have to have ball joints and bearings pressed in at a local shop.

 

[Dous]

After looking at some rust and pitting on my steering knuckles I've decided to replace them. While doing so, I'm going to replace the upper ball joints and replace wheel bearings and seals. (Lower LBJ's already replaced.) Is there a write-up or step by step on doing this job? FSM's are close to $150:/

Planning to have to have ball joints and bearings pressed in at a local shop.

Pretty simple, just remove the 4 LBJ bolts and the upper ball joint castle nut. Then you will need a 3 arm puller to pop the UBJ out of its conical seat. Then remove the wheel speed sensor if you have ABS, and it's out.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Yeah, none of it is as difficult as you might think. Are you going to do the bearings yourself? If you are mechanically inclined, you can buy a press at HF for less than just the labor for a mechanic to do it.

You can read a bit in my build thread in my sig, but I didn't really do a write-up. Download the FSM from this site and study the disassembly/replacement instructions for the bearing.

As far as the seals, check the condition of yours before you buy, I have as bad rust as anyone and mine were in ok condition and I reused them (since they are about $40 each). You just have to be careful not to bend it while popping it off.

If you get stuck, PM me or any of the other guys here that have done it, I'm sure you can get through it no problem.

 

[Fjatheart]

Nelsonmd, I really appreciate your input and might reach out to you before I do the install. I hope to have all the parts delivered by Saturday and do the install next week. I'll check out your links.

Can you still view a FSM online?

I'm on tapatalk and unable to view your signature until I'm on my computer.

Thanks again!

 

[Doc2012]

Don't really have pics, but here's my step by step write up about it. hope this helps.

Just ignore the manual hub part.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/127367-doc-s-mod-thread.html

 

[Fjatheart]

Very cool. Thanks Doc!

 

[cj80cruiser]

Can you still view a FSM online?

Check my signature.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Nelsonmd, I really appreciate your input and might reach out to you before I do the install. I hope to have all the parts delivered by Saturday and do the install next week. I'll check out your links.

Can you still view a FSM online?

I'm on tapatalk and unable to view your signature until I'm on my computer.

Thanks again!

Sure, no problem. If you get in trouble somewhere, I can walk you through it. The challenge is really the first knuckle. After you get that bearing out, you can use the old bearing as a press tool for the other one.

 

[Fjatheart]

Copy that.

I thought about having a local shop set up the knuckles with the bearings and upper ball joints.

I ordered new bearing seals. What actually keeps the seals in contact with the bearing? Do the slide on when reinstalling the knuckle?

Thank you again!

 

[Fjatheart]

Is there any grease needed when reinstalling the knuckle? I assume the machine shop that is pressing in the bearings and seals will grease the bearings as they go in, no??
[MENTION=56021]Nelsonmd[/MENTION] ??

 

[Nelsonmd]

Is there any grease needed when reinstalling the knuckle? I assume the machine shop that is pressing in the bearings and seals will grease the bearings as they go in, no??
[MENTION=56021]Nelsonmd[/MENTION] ??

No, the bearings don't come apart in a way that you can grease them yourself, they are loaded with grease from the factory. You need to grease the rubber of the seals before pressing it all together again, but that is a minor point and just takes a little bit on the finger.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Copy that.

I thought about having a local shop set up the knuckles with the bearings and upper ball joints.

I ordered new bearing seals. What actually keeps the seals in contact with the bearing? Do the slide on when reinstalling the knuckle?

Thank you again!

Sorry, didn't see this post...

The seals have rubber on one side and stamped metal on the other, the rubber side seals around the hub, and the metal side gets pressed onto the knuckle itself. You can pop the metal side on with just a rubber mallet (be careful if you use a metal hammer because you can very easily dent the metal)

 

[Fjatheart]

Sorry, didn't see this post...

The seals have rubber on one side and stamped metal on the other, the rubber side seals around the hub, and the metal side gets pressed onto the knuckle itself. You can pop the metal side on with just a rubber mallet (be careful if you use a metal hammer because you can very easily dent the metal)

No problem. Thank you for the explanation. This makes sense. [MENTION=56021]Nelsonmd[/MENTION]