Thunderbird V8-302 5.0L HO (1992)
Rear Knuckle: Service and Repair
Caution: Do not begin this procedure unless a new hub retainer nut is available. Once removed, this part cannot be reused during assembly. Its torque
holding and/or retention capability is greatly diminished during removal.
1. Remove wheelcover/hub cover from wheel and tire assembly, then loosen wheel nuts.
2. Remove and discard hub nut and washer.
3. Raise and support vehicle, then remove wheel and tire assembly.
4. Pull back on parking brake cable release lever and at same time pull on cable. This action will relax cable so it can be removed from brake caliper
or backing plate.
5. On models with disc brakes, proceed as follows:
a. Remove parking brake cable from caliper.
b. Remove upper and lower caliper attaching bolts and remove caliper assembly from rotor.
c. Carefully wire caliper to brake junction bracket.
6. On all models, with push on nuts removed, remove brake rotor or drum assembly.
7. Remove three bolts retaining splash shield to knuckle and remove splash shield.
8. Disconnect parking brake cable and disconnect brake line from wheel cylinder.
9. Remove upper control arm nut and bolt.
10. Wire upper control arm to body to prevent damage to CV boots when knuckle and hub assembly is removed.
11. Install hub remover/replacer tool No. T81P-1104-C or equivalent to hub studs. Turn wrench counterclockwise until halfshaft is free in hub.
12. Using a paint marker, mark position of control arm in relation to knuckle with bushings in a relaxed position. When upper control arm bolt is
removed from knuckle, lower arm bushings will return to a relaxed position. Failure to mark position will cause bushing wind up upon
assembly and incorrect ride height. These conditions can cause misalignment and premature tire wear.
13. Note approximate angle of knuckle in relaxed position by measuring distance from upper bushing to any convenient point on vehicle body.
14. Remove lower control arm to knuckle attaching bolts and nuts.
15. Remove knuckle assembly from halfshaft.
16. Reverse procedure to install. Tighten to specifications.
