suspension

Knuckle/Spindle - Rear

for 2002 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10 · RWD

Difficulty

Advanced

Time

2.5 h

Tools

Steps

✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.

Replace the rear wheel hub/spindle assembly on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including removal of brake caliper, rotor, and hub assembly from the rear suspension knuckle.

Warnings

⚠️Vehicle must be securely supported on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.

⚠Brake components may be hot if vehicle was recently driven. Allow cooling time before beginning work.

⚠Do not allow brake caliper to hang by brake hose as this can damage the hose internally. Always support caliper with wire or hanger.

ℹ️The rear spindle/knuckle assembly on the 1992 Viper is a separate component from the upright. This procedure covers spindle replacement only.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Torque wrench (0-200 lb-ft range)Essential

Socket set (metric)Essential

Breaker barEssential

Ball joint separator/pickle forkEssential

Hub puller or slide hammer

Anti-seize compound

Penetrating oil

Brake caliper hanger/wireEssential

Pry barEssential

Wire brush

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Parts

Rear wheel hub/spindle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
Wheel bearing (if separate from hub) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Cotter pin (ball joint) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Hub seal × 1 — Use OEM specification

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at appropriate jacking points
Remove rear wheel and tire assembly
Spray all fasteners to be removed with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1
Remove brake caliper
Remove the two brake caliper mounting bolts from the rear of the caliper bracket. Slide the caliper off the rotor. Support the caliper with mechanic's wire or a caliper hanger to prevent stress on the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake line unless replacing the caliper.
2
Remove brake rotor
If present, remove any rotor retaining screws or clips. Slide the brake rotor off the hub studs. If rotor is stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap around the rotor hat section to break it free from the hub face. Do not strike rotor friction surface.
3
Remove rear wheel speed sensor (if equipped with ABS)
Locate the wheel speed sensor mounted to the spindle or backing plate. Disconnect the electrical connector. Remove the sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from its bore. Set aside to prevent damage. Note: Remove rear wheel speed sensor (NOTE: 1992 Viper is NOT equipped with ABS — skip this step)
4
Disconnect tie rod end from spindle
Remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end castle nut. Loosen and remove the castle nut. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end taper from the spindle. Do not damage the tie rod boot during separation.
5
Disconnect lower ball joint from spindle
Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint castle nut on the spindle. Remove the castle nut. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to break the taper joint between the lower control arm ball joint and the spindle. Support the lower control arm to prevent it from dropping suddenly.
Torque spec
Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
6
Disconnect upper control arm or shock mount from spindle
Locate the upper attachment point of the spindle (either upper ball joint or shock/strut mounting bolts to spindle). Remove the fasteners securing this connection. On the 1992 Viper, this is typically 2 bolts connecting the shock absorber lower mount to the spindle. Remove these bolts while supporting the spindle assembly.
Torque spec
Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
7
Remove spindle assembly
With all connections disconnected, carefully maneuver the spindle assembly away from the suspension components. The spindle should now be free from the vehicle. Be aware of any backing plate or dust shield that may be part of the spindle assembly.
8
Remove hub from spindle (if serviceable separately)
If the hub bearing is pressed into the spindle and replaceable separately, use a hub puller or press to remove the old hub and bearing from the spindle bore. Clean the spindle bore thoroughly with a wire brush and inspect for damage or cracks. If hub and spindle are one assembly, skip to installation.
9
Install new hub/bearing into spindle
If hub is separate from spindle, press or drive the new hub bearing assembly into the spindle bore, ensuring it is fully seated and square. Install any retaining clips or snap rings that secure the bearing. If using a one-piece hub/spindle assembly, proceed to next step.
10
Install spindle assembly to suspension
Position the spindle assembly into place in the suspension. Connect the shock absorber lower mount to the spindle and install the 2 mounting bolts finger-tight. Do not torque at this time.
11
Connect lower ball joint
Align the lower control arm ball joint stud with the spindle taper. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud, bending the pin ends to secure.
Torque spec
Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
12
Connect tie rod end
Insert the tie rod end stud into the spindle taper. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin and bend ends to secure. Verify tie rod end boot is not damaged or torn.
13
Torque shock mounting bolts
Torque the shock absorber lower mounting bolts to the spindle to specification. Ensure fasteners are clean and threads are not damaged.
Torque spec
Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
14
Install wheel speed sensor
NOTE: 1992 Viper is NOT equipped with ABS — no wheel speed sensor to install. Skip this step.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
15
Install brake rotor and caliper
Slide the brake rotor onto the hub studs. Install any rotor retaining screws if equipped. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and install the two caliper mounting bolts, torquing to specification. Remove the caliper support wire or hanger.
16
Install wheel and lower vehicle
Install the wheel and tire assembly. Thread lug nuts on by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground. Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Torque all fasteners to specification in the order described
Always use new cotter pins on ball joint and tie rod castle nuts
Apply anti-seize to wheel speed sensor body before installation
Do not torque suspension bushings or control arm fasteners until vehicle weight is on wheels

Verification

With vehicle on ground, grab top and bottom of tire and check for play in wheel bearing - there should be no detectable movement
Rotate wheel by hand to verify smooth rotation with no grinding or binding
Check for any brake fluid leaks around caliper connections
Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area to verify proper brake operation and no unusual noises
Verify ABS warning light (if equipped) does not illuminate, confirming wheel speed sensor is functioning
Perform alignment check as suspension geometry may have shifted during work

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