This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wheel knuckle/spindle assembly on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel knuckle/spindle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint nut × 1 — Replace if damaged
• Control arm bolts × 2 — Replace if damaged
• Strut-to-knuckle bolts × 2 — Replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support with jack stands on chassis rails
5. Remove rear wheel completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two brake caliper mounting bolts using appropriate socket. Hang the caliper from the suspension or chassis using wire or a caliper hanger - do not let it hang by the brake hose. Remove the brake rotor by pulling straight off the hub. If seized, use penetrating oil and tap with plastic mallet.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the rear knuckle. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the upper nut connecting the link to the knuckle. Pull the link up and away from the knuckle.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect lower control arm ball joint
   Remove the ball joint castle nut from the lower control arm where it connects to the knuckle. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the ball joint from the knuckle. Insert the tool between the control arm and knuckle, then strike or apply pressure until the joint releases. Inspect the ball joint boot for damage if reusing.
   ⚠Ball joint separator can damage the boot. Apply force carefully and consider replacing the ball joint if boot is torn.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the strut to the rear knuckle. Support the knuckle with one hand or a jack. Remove both strut-to-knuckle mounting bolts completely. The knuckle will now be free from the strut.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect trailing arm or rear control arm
   Remove the bolt(s) connecting the knuckle to the rear trailing arm or upper control arm (depending on suspension configuration). Note the position and orientation of any alignment shims or washers for reinstallation. The knuckle assembly should now be free to remove from the vehicle.
   ℹ️Mark or photograph the position of any alignment shims before removal. These control rear camber and toe settings.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove wheel hub bearing (if necessary)
   If transferring the wheel hub and bearing assembly to the new knuckle, remove the mounting bolts from the back of the knuckle. The hub assembly should press or pull out. Clean the bore in the new knuckle with a wire brush and inspect for damage. Apply light coat of anti-seize to mating surface before installing hub into new knuckle.
7. 7

   Install new knuckle to trailing/control arm
   Position the new knuckle into place and loosely install the trailing arm or upper control arm bolt(s). Install any alignment shims in their original positions. Do NOT fully tighten these bolts yet - they must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels.
8. 8

   Connect strut to knuckle
   Align the strut bracket with the mounting holes on the knuckle. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts and tighten to specification. Ensure the knuckle is properly seated against the strut bracket before torquing.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect lower control arm ball joint
   Insert the lower control arm ball joint stud into the knuckle. Install a new ball joint nut and tighten to specification. Ensure the ball joint is fully seated in the taper before final torquing.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link into the knuckle mount. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and install the nut. Tighten to specification while preventing the shaft from rotating.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install brake rotor and caliper
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and install the caliper mounting bolts. Tighten the caliper bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not compressed. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final torque control arm bolts
    Lower the vehicle completely to the ground so full vehicle weight is on the suspension. Torque the control arm and trailing arm bolts to specification. This ensures the rubber bushings are in their neutral position and prevents premature wear.
    ⚠Control arm bolts MUST be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels. Torquing while suspended will preload the bushings incorrectly.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check all fasteners are tightened to proper specifications
2. Verify brake caliper is secure and brake hose is not twisted or kinked
3. Pump brake pedal several times to ensure proper brake caliper operation

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from rear suspension
• Check that brakes operate normally with no pulling or grinding
• Have a professional wheel alignment performed immediately - rear toe and camber will be out of specification
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all suspension fasteners to verify they remain tight

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