Jeep Cherokee
Service Manual
Differential and driveline » Tube, 181, and 186 FBI axle » Removal and installation
Steering knuckle and ball studs

Ball stud service procedures below require removal of the hub bearing and axle shaft. Removal and installation of upper and lower ball studs require the use of Tool Kit 6289.

KNUCKLE REMOVAL

Remove hub bearing and axle shaft.
Disconnect the tie-rod or drag link from the steering knuckle arm. Refer to Group 2, Suspension, for proper procedures.
Remove the cotter pins from the upper and lower ball studs.
Remove the upper and lower ball stud nuts.
Strike the steering knuckle with a brass hammer to loosen knuckle from the ball studs. Remove knuckle from ball studs (Fig. 25).

Fig. 25 Steering Knuckle Removal/Installation

1 - AXLE YOKE
2 - UPPER BALL STUD
3 - LOWER BALL STUD
4 - STEERING KNUCKLE

Fig. 26 Upper Ball Stud Remove/Install

UPPER BALL STUD REPLACEMENT

Position tools as shown to remove and install ball stud (Fig. 26).

LOWER BALL STUD REPLACEMENT

Position tools as shown to remove and install ball stud (Fig. 27).

KNUCKLE INSTALLATION

Position the steering knuckle on the ball studs.
Install and tighten the bottom retaining nut to 109 N·m (80 ft. lbs.) torque. Install new cotter pin.
Install and tighten the top retaining nut to 101 N·m (75 ft. lbs.) torque. Install new cotter pin.
Install the hub bearing and axle shaft.
Connect the tie-rod or drag link end to the steering knuckle arm. Refer to Group 2, Suspension, for proper procedures.

Fig. 27 Lower Ball Stud Remove/Install