suspension

Knuckle/Spindle - Rear

for 2017 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · RWD

Difficulty

Advanced

Time

2.4 h

Tools

Steps

🤖AI-generated, not yet human-verified. This walkthrough was produced by AI and may contain errors. Treat it as a guide, cross-check every step and torque value against the manufacturer's service manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. This is a moderate-risk job — take extra care.

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear knuckle/spindle assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including disconnection of the hub, brake components, and suspension linkages.

Warnings

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.

⚠Do not allow brake caliper to hang by brake hose as this can damage the hose internally.

⚠Ball joint separator tools can generate sudden release of tension. Keep hands and face clear of the separation point.

ℹ️Control arm bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension. Final torque will be performed after vehicle is lowered.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Torque wrench (30-200 Nm range)Essential

Socket set (metric)Essential

Breaker barEssential

Ball joint separator or pickle forkEssential

Wire brush

Penetrating oil

Pry bar

Brake caliper hanger or wireEssential

Wheel chocksEssential

Impact wrench

Allen key setEssential

Parts

Rear wheel knuckle/spindle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
Wheel hub and bearing assembly (if integrated) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Ball joint castle nut and cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
Anti-seize compound × 1 — Generic

Fluids

Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame contact points
Remove rear wheel completely
Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1
Remove brake caliper and rotor
Remove the two brake caliper mounting bolts from the rear of the knuckle. Carefully remove the caliper and suspend it from the frame using a brake caliper hanger or heavy wire to prevent strain on the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake hose unless necessary. Remove the brake rotor by pulling it straight off the hub. If stuck, use penetrating oil and light tapping with a rubber mallet.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
2
Disconnect wheel speed sensor
Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector near the knuckle. Press the release tab and disconnect the electrical connector. Remove the single mounting bolt securing the wheel speed sensor to the knuckle and carefully pull the sensor out of the bore. Set aside to prevent damage.
3
Remove wheel hub assembly
Remove the four bolts securing the wheel hub and bearing assembly to the rear of the knuckle. These bolts are accessed from the back side of the knuckle. Pull the hub assembly straight out. If the hub is integrated with the knuckle on your specific model, skip this step and proceed with the entire assembly.
4
Disconnect sway bar link
Locate the rear sway bar link connection at the lower control arm or knuckle. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft of the link while removing the upper nut with a wrench. Separate the link from the knuckle or control arm mounting point.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
5
Remove shock absorber lower mounting
Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt connecting the shock to the knuckle or lower control arm. Remove this bolt completely. Allow the shock to hang freely or support it with wire to prevent damage.
Torque spec
Strut Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
6
Disconnect upper control arm ball joint
Remove the castle nut from the upper ball joint stud where it connects to the knuckle. Remove the cotter pin first. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the ball joint taper from the knuckle. Apply steady pressure with the separator tool while tapping the knuckle boss with a hammer to break the taper free. Keep hands clear of the separation point.
⚠Ball joint will separate suddenly under pressure. Ensure separator tool is properly positioned before applying force.
Torque spec
Ball Joint Nut101 Nm (75 lb-ft)
7
Disconnect lower control arm
Support the lower control arm with a floor jack to control its movement. Remove the bolt(s) connecting the knuckle to the lower control arm at the ball joint or spindle mounting point. Carefully lower the jack to relieve any residual spring tension and separate the knuckle from the lower control arm.
⚠Lower control arm may move suddenly when separated. Keep floor jack in position to control movement.
Torque spec
Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
8
Remove knuckle assembly
With all connections disconnected, remove the knuckle/spindle assembly from the vehicle. Inspect all mounting surfaces, ball joint tapers, and bolt holes for damage, corrosion, or wear. Clean all mating surfaces with a wire brush.
9
Prepare and install new knuckle
Compare new knuckle assembly to the old unit to verify correct replacement part. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to ball joint tapers and bolt threads. Position the new knuckle into place, aligning it with the upper and lower control arm mounting points.
10
Connect lower control arm
Use a floor jack to raise the lower control arm into position to meet the knuckle. Insert the lower control arm bolt and thread it by hand. Do NOT torque at this time - final torque must be performed with vehicle weight on the suspension.
11
Connect upper control arm ball joint
Align the upper ball joint stud with the hole in the top of the knuckle. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud, bending the ends to secure.
Torque spec
Ball Joint Nut101 Nm (75 lb-ft)
12
Reinstall shock absorber and sway bar link
Connect the lower shock absorber mounting bolt to the knuckle or control arm and torque to specification. Reconnect the sway bar link, using an Allen key to hold the shaft while torquing the nut to specification.
Torque spec
Strut Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13
Install wheel hub and sensor
Install the wheel hub and bearing assembly to the knuckle using the four mounting bolts. Tighten bolts in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Install the ABS wheel speed sensor into its bore in the knuckle, secure with the mounting bolt, and reconnect the electrical connector. Ensure the connector clicks into place.
14
Reinstall brake components
Install the brake rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats fully. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and install the two mounting bolts. Torque mounting bolts to specification. Pump the brake pedal several times to restore caliper piston position before moving the vehicle.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
15
Final torque and lower vehicle
Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension is loaded. Torque the lower control arm bolts to specification with vehicle weight on the suspension. Fully lower the vehicle and torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
Torque spec
Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
Verify brake caliper mounting bolts are tight and caliper operates freely
Check that ABS sensor connector is fully seated and secured
Confirm cotter pin is properly installed in upper ball joint castle nut

Verification

Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises from rear suspension
Test brake operation - pedal should be firm with no pulsation
Check for any leaks around brake caliper and hose connections
Verify ABS warning light does not illuminate on instrument cluster
Have alignment checked and adjusted by a professional alignment shop as suspension geometry has been disturbed