Steering knuckle and hub — removal and installation (Mazda Capella GC)

1. Raise the front of the vehicle, secure it securely on the jack stands and remove the front wheel.

2. Lock the hub from rotating by inserting a screwdriver or similar tool through the brake caliper and into the rotor. Release the clamp and remove the front hub lock nut. This nut is tightened very tightly. Use a new nut for assembly.

3. Unscrew the brake caliper and remove it.

4. Remove the strut-to-steering knuckle mounting bolts and nuts.

5. Remove the nut that secures the tie rod to the steering knuckle.

6. Disconnect the connecting rod from the steering knuckle (Chapter 16).

7. Remove the mounting nut and bolt, and separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle.

8. Using an extractor, remove the knuckle/hub assembly from the drive shaft to disengage it from the drive shaft slots if necessary and remove it from the vehicle.

9. Inspect the hinge for damage and corrosion, inspect the bearings for looseness and grease leaks. Disassembling the hub requires a press and special techniques, so you should contact your dealer or a properly equipped workshop.

10. Install the steering knuckle in position on the drive shaft and lower control arm, and the strut, install the strut, ball joint nuts and bolts, tighten them with the tightening torque specified in the Specification.

11. Install the new hub lock nut (drive shaft) and clamp it with your hand only.

12. Apply a dynamometer to the front wheel strut and measure the force required to rotate the hub. Note the reading on the scale.

13. Temporarily install the brake caliper. Lock the hub and tighten the hub lock nut (drive shaft) with the tightening torque specified in the Specification, then remove the brake caliper. Measure the hub turning force again. If the force exceeds (Step 12) 4.4 lbs, check the bearings.



14. If all is well, insert the lock nut bearing into the groove on the drive shaft using a blunt flat chisel or a hammer drill (photo).



15. Install the connecting rod and tighten the nut with the specified tightening force Specification.

16. Install the brake caliper and wheel. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts.