Sable V6-3.0L VIN U (1999)
Front Steering Knuckle: Service and Repair
Special Tools
Removal
1. Turn ignition switch to OFF position and place steering column in unlocked position.
2. Remove wheel hub retainer.
3. Raise vehicle on a hoist.
4. Remove tire and wheel assembly.
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Remove wiring harness from routing clip on front shock absorber.
5. NOTE: Make sure steering column is in unlocked position, and do not use a hammer to separate tie rod end from front wheel knuckle. Use
extreme care not to damage boot seal.
Remove cotter pin from the tie rod end stud and remove slotted nut. Discard cotter pin and nut.
6. Using Tie Rod End Remover 211-001 or equivalent and Tie Rod End Remover Adapter 211 -087, remove tie rod end from front wheel knuckle.
7. CAUTION: Use extreme care not to damage boot seal. Do not use power tools to remove the nut or bearing and seal damage will result.
Loosen the nut first, then remove nut from stud using the hex hold feature.
For SHO vehicles, remove vinyl cover from upper link stud. Remove stabilizer bar link from front shock absorber.
8. Remove disc brake caliper and support with wire in such a manner as to obtain working space. To prevent contamination of the disc brake guide
pin journals, do not allow disc brake caliper to separate from the front disc brake caliper anchor plate. Do not allow disc brake caliper to hang
from rear wheel brake hose. Remove front disc brake rotor.
9. Remove front anti-lock sensor mounting bolt and front brake anti-lock sensor. Position out of the way.
10. Remove and discard lower ball joint nut. Using Ball Joint Remover 211-S200, separate lower ball joint from front suspension lower arm.
11. Using Rotunda Spring Compressor 014-00781 or equivalent, compress front coil spring until lower ball joint clears front suspension lower arm.
12. CAUTION: Do not allow the halfshaft to move outboard. Over-extension of the tripod CV joint could result in separation of internal
parts, causing failure of the halfshaft.
Remove front axle wheel hub retainer. Remove and discard front wheel hub and spindle-to-front shock absorber pinch bolt. (A drift punch may be
used to remove bolt.)
