Knuckle/Spindle - Front

Remove and replace the front steering knuckle/spindle assembly on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including separation from suspension components and steering linkage.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front steering knuckle/spindle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper ball joint nut × 1 — Replace if deformed
• Lower ball joint nut × 1 — Replace if deformed
• Tie rod end castle nut × 1 — Replace if deformed
• Hub bearing (if integral to knuckle) × 1 — Verify if included with knuckle

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under manufacturer-approved jacking points
4. Remove front wheel on the side being serviced
5. Spray all suspension fasteners (ball joint nuts, tie rod end nut, strut-to-knuckle bolts) with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the 2 brake caliper mounting bolts from the rear of the caliper bracket. Carefully lift the caliper and bracket assembly off the rotor. Support the caliper with a wire hook or bungee cord from the suspension or frame; do not allow it to hang by the brake hose. Remove the rotor from the hub by pulling it straight off. If the rotor is stuck, use light taps with a rubber mallet on the back face to break it loose.
2. 2

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector near the strut or in the wheel well area. Press the connector lock tab and separate the connector halves. If the sensor wire is routed through clips on the knuckle or strut, release these clips to free the wire. Note the routing for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove tie rod end from knuckle
   Remove the castle nut securing the outer tie rod end to the steering arm on the knuckle. Remove the cotter pin first if present. Use a tie rod end separator or ball joint fork to break the taper between the tie rod stud and the knuckle. Strike the separator tool with a hammer to apply force; the tie rod end will pop free when the taper releases. Remove the separator and pull the tie rod end out of the knuckle.
4. 4

   Separate upper ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the castle nut from the upper ball joint stud at the top of the knuckle. Remove the cotter pin first if present. Insert a ball joint separator or pickle fork between the upper control arm and the knuckle at the ball joint. Strike the tool with a hammer to drive it into the joint taper until the ball joint separates. Note: the Viper uses an upper/lower control arm (SLA) design; support the knuckle as the joint releases.
5. 5

   Separate lower ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the castle nut from the lower ball joint stud at the bottom of the knuckle. Remove the cotter pin first if present. Insert a ball joint separator or pickle fork between the lower control arm and the knuckle at the ball joint. Strike the tool with a hammer until the taper breaks and the ball joint separates. The knuckle assembly is now free from the control arms.
6. 6

   Remove strut-to-knuckle pinch bolts
   The 2008 Viper uses a short-long arm (double wishbone) suspension; there is no strut-to-knuckle pinch bolt. The coil-over shock mounts between the frame and lower control arm and does not attach to the knuckle. Skip this step and verify the knuckle is retained only by the upper and lower ball joints and the tie rod end.
7. 7

   Remove knuckle from hub bearing
   If the hub bearing remains on the hub shaft and the knuckle must be separated from it, remove the hub bearing mounting bolts from the back of the knuckle. There are typically 4 bolts securing the bearing to the knuckle. Pull the knuckle away from the hub bearing assembly. If the knuckle is seized to the bearing, use a soft mallet to tap around the perimeter while pulling outward. The knuckle assembly is now completely removed from the vehicle.
8. 8

   Inspect and clean mating surfaces
   Inspect the hub bearing for wear, roughness, or damage. If replacement is needed, this is the ideal time to service it. Clean all mating surfaces on the strut bracket, control arm ball joint tapers, and tie rod mounting location with a wire brush. Remove any corrosion, old thread locker, or debris. Clean the ball joint tapers and tie rod taper thoroughly and leave them dry (do not apply anti-seize to tapered joints, as lubricant can prevent proper seating).
9. 9

   Install new knuckle to hub bearing
   Position the new knuckle over the hub bearing assembly. Align the bolt holes and install the hub bearing mounting bolts. Snug the bolts in a cross pattern but do not fully torque yet. Ensure the knuckle seats fully against the bearing before tightening.
10. 10

    Install knuckle to strut
    The Viper knuckle is not retained by a strut; it is held by the upper and lower control arm ball joints. There is no strut bracket or pinch bolt to install. Proceed to connecting the lower and upper ball joints.
11. 11

    Connect lower ball joint to knuckle
    Raise the lower control arm to align the lower ball joint stud with the hole in the bottom of the knuckle. Insert the stud through the knuckle. Install the castle nut and torque it to the manufacturer specification, then advance (never back off) to align the cotter pin hole with the stud. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots and ball joint stud; bend the pin ends to secure.
12. 12

    Connect upper ball joint to knuckle
    Raise the knuckle or lower the upper control arm to align the upper ball joint stud with the hole in the top of the knuckle. Insert the stud through the knuckle. Install the castle nut and tighten it firmly until the ball joint stud is fully seated in the taper. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots and ball joint stud; bend the pin ends to secure.
13. 13

    Connect tie rod end to knuckle
    Insert the outer tie rod end stud into the steering arm hole on the knuckle. Install the castle nut and torque it to the manufacturer specification, then advance (never back off) to align the cotter pin hole. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots and tie rod stud; bend the pin ends to secure.
14. 14

    Reconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
    Route the ABS wheel speed sensor wire through any clips on the knuckle or strut, following the original path noted during removal. Connect the sensor connector halves until they click and lock. Ensure the wire has adequate slack and will not be pinched or stretched during suspension travel.
15. 15

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub. Position the brake caliper and bracket assembly over the rotor. Install the 2 caliper mounting bolts and tighten them securely. Remove any wire or support used to hold the caliper during the procedure.
16. 16

    Torque all fasteners to specification
    Torque the hub bearing-to-knuckle bolts to manufacturer specification in a cross pattern. Torque the strut-to-knuckle pinch bolts to specification. Torque the brake caliper mounting bolts to specification. Verify all ball joint castle nuts and tie rod castle nut are properly tightened with cotter pins installed. Double-check that no fasteners were missed.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern
2. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern
3. The vehicle requires a front wheel alignment after knuckle replacement. Do not drive at highway speeds until alignment is completed
4. Test drive at low speed in a safe area to verify proper steering feel and brake function before returning to normal operation

Verification

• Verify all suspension and steering fasteners are torqued to specification and cotter pins are installed where applicable
• Check that the brake caliper is secure and the brake pedal feels firm
• Verify the ABS wheel speed sensor connector is fully seated and the wire is routed correctly
• Confirm the wheel spins freely without binding or rubbing
• Have the front suspension alignment checked and adjusted by a qualified technician

More procedures for this vehicle