Lincoln Aviator: Front Suspension - RWD / Removal and Installation - Wheel Knuckle

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

	204-592 Separator, Lower Arm Ball Joint TKIT-2006C-FFMFLM TKIT-2006C-LM TKIT-2006C-ROW
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.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

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

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.

   1. Remove and discard the tie rod end nut.
      Torque: 52 lb.ft (70 Nm)
   2. Separate the tie rod end from the wheel knuckle.
      Use the General Equipment: Tie Rod End Remover

1. 1. Remove the brake hose bracket bolt and position aside the brake hose.
      Torque: 133 lb.in (15 Nm)
   2. Remove the bolt and the front wheel speed sensor.
      Torque: 106 lb.in (12 Nm)

1. NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove or install the lower arm outboard nut. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur.

   NOTE: Use the TORX PLUS® holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the lower arm outboard nut. Torx® and TORX PLUS® is a reg. tm of Acument Intellectual Properties, LLC.

   Remove and discard the front lower arm outboard nut.
   Torque: 76 lb.ft (103 Nm)

1. NOTICE: Do not use a hammer, prying device, or separator fork to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur.

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

   Separate the front lower arm from the wheel Knuckle.
   Use Special Service Tool: 204-592  Separator, Lower Arm Ball Joint.

1. NOTICE: Never allow the knuckle to hang from the upper and lower control arms or damage to the ball joints can occur.

   NOTE: Take care not to damage coating on suspension components.

   Support the wheel knuckle assembly using mechanic's wire.
   

1. NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove or install the lower arm outboard nut. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur.

   NOTE: Use the TORX PLUS® holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the lower arm outboard nut. Torx® and TORX PLUS® is a reg. tm of Acument Intellectual Properties, LLC.

   Remove and discard the rear lower arm outboard nut.
   Torque: 136 lb.ft (185 Nm)

1. NOTICE: Do not use a hammer, prying device, or separator fork to separate the lower arm from the ball joint. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur.

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

   Separate the rear lower arm from the wheel Knuckle.
   Use Special Service Tool: 204-592  Separator, Lower Arm Ball Joint.

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

1. Remove the 3 bolts and the brake disc shield.
   Torque: 80 lb.in (9 Nm)

1. NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove or install the lower arm outboard nut. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur.

   NOTE: Use the TORX PLUS® holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the lower arm outboard nut. Torx® and TORX PLUS® is a reg. tm of Acument Intellectual Properties, LLC.

   Remove and discard the upper ball joint nut.
   Torque: 41 lb.ft (55 Nm)

1. NOTICE: Do not use a hammer, prying device, or separator fork to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur.

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

   Separate the front upper arm from the wheel Knuckle.
   Use Special Service Tool: 204-592  Separator, Lower Arm Ball Joint.

1. Remove the wheel knuckle.
   

Installation

1. NOTICE: Tighten the suspension fasteners with the weight of the vehicle on the wheels and tires or use a suitable jack to raise the suspension to curb height or damage to the bushings may occur.

   NOTE: Only tighten the nuts and bolts when the suspension is in the normal drive position.

   To install, reverse the removal procedure.