CAUTION: All front suspension fasteners are important attaching parts in that they could affect the performance of vital parts and systems, and/or could result in major service expense. Any part must be replaced with one of the same part number or with an exact equivalent part if replacement becomes necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during assembly to ensure proper retention of this part.

Never attempt to heat, quench or straighten any front suspension part. Replace with a new part.

Spindle Assembly

Tools Required:

• Tie Rod End Remover TOOL-3290-D

Removal

1. Raise the front of vehicle, and position safety stands under both sides at the jacking pads just behind the lower arms. Refer to Section 00-02.

2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.

3. Remove the brake caliper, rotor and dust shield. Refer to Section 06-03.

4. Remove the stabilizer link from the lower arm assembly.

5. Remove the tie rod end from the spindle with Tie Rod End Remover TOOL-3290-D or equivalent.

6. Remove and discard the cotter pin from the ball joint stud nut, and loosen the ball joint nut one or two turns.

    CAUTION: Do not remove the nut from the ball joint stud at this time.

7. Tap the spindle boss sharply to relieve the stud pressure.

8. Place a floor jack under the lower arm, compress the coil spring as outlined in Coil Spring Removal and Installation. Remove the stud nut.

9. Remove and discard the two bolts and nuts retaining the spindle to the shock strut. Compress the shock strut until working clearance is obtained.

10. Remove the spindle assembly.

Installation

1. Place the spindle on the ball joint stud, and install the stud nut. Do not tighten at this time.

2. Lower the shock strut until the mounting holes align with the holes in the spindle. Install two new bolts and nuts.

3. Tighten the ball joint stud nut to 108-163 Nm (80-120 lb-ft), and install a new cotter pin. Do not back-off nut to install cotter pin. Tighten nut to align holes.

4. Tighten the shock strut to spindle retaining nuts to 190-271 Nm (141-199 lb-ft).

5. Install the stabilizer link. Tighten the retaining bolt and nut to 8-24 Nm (6-17 lb-ft).

6. Lower the floor jack from under the suspension arm, and remove the jack.

7. Attach the tie rod end. Tighten the retaining nut to 47-64 Nm (35-47 lb-ft).

8. Install the disc brake dust shield, rotor and caliper. Refer to Section 06-03.

9. Install the wheel and tire assembly. Tighten wheel lug nuts to 115-142 Nm (85-105 lb-ft).

10. Remove the safety stands, and lower vehicle.

11. Check front wheel alignment and adjust if out of specification. Refer to Section 04-00.