This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front steering knuckle/spindle assembly on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including disconnection of brake components, hub assembly, and suspension components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front steering knuckle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hub bearing assembly (if integrated) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint castle nut and cotter pin × 1 — Replace if removing
• ABS wheel speed sensor (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support on heavy-duty jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove wheel and tire assembly
6. Apply penetrating oil to all fasteners that will be removed and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper assembly
   Remove the two caliper mounting bolts from the back of the caliper bracket. Slide the caliper off the rotor without allowing it to hang by the brake hose. Secure the caliper to the upper control arm or frame using a wire hanger or bungee cord to prevent stress on the brake line.
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor and ABS sensor
   Remove the rotor retaining screw if equipped (may be Phillips or Torx). Slide the brake rotor off the hub. If stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap around the rotor hat. Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor electrical connector and remove the sensor mounting bolt. Carefully extract the sensor from the knuckle, being careful not to damage the sensor tip.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect tie rod end
   Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the tie rod end. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end from the knuckle. Strike the tool sharply to break the taper. Once separated, move the tie rod out of the way.
4. 4

   Disconnect upper ball joint
   Support the lower control arm with a floor jack positioned under the lower ball joint area. Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the upper ball joint. Use a ball joint separator to break the taper between the ball joint stud and the knuckle. Keep tension on the separator while striking to prevent tool slippage.
   ⚠The suspension is under tension. Support the lower control arm with a jack before separating ball joints to prevent sudden movement.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect lower ball joint
   Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the lower ball joint. Use a ball joint separator to break the taper. Once both ball joints are separated, the knuckle will be free from the control arms.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove hub bearing from knuckle
   If the hub bearing is pressed into the knuckle, use a hub puller or press to extract it. Remove the snap rings or retaining clips from both sides of the hub bore. Support the knuckle on a press bed or use a slide hammer attachment. Drive the hub out from the back side of the knuckle. If the hub bearing is integrated with the knuckle, skip this step and replace as an assembly.
   ℹ️Ram 2500 4WD knuckles may have integrated hub bearings or serviceable pressed bearings depending on configuration. Inspect before attempting removal.
7. 7

   Prepare new knuckle assembly
   Clean all mounting surfaces on the new knuckle with a wire brush. If installing a separate hub bearing, press it into the new knuckle using a bearing driver that contacts only the outer race. Install snap rings or retaining clips to secure the bearing. Verify the bearing rotates smoothly without binding.
8. 8

   Install knuckle to ball joints
   Position the new knuckle onto the lower ball joint stud first, then guide it onto the upper ball joint stud. Install new castle nuts on both ball joints and torque to specification. The ball joint studs must rotate freely during installation. Install new cotter pins and bend tabs to secure.
   ⚠Always install new cotter pins. Never reuse old cotter pins or advance the nut beyond torque spec to align cotter pin holes.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect tie rod end
   Insert the tie rod end stud into the knuckle steering arm. Install the castle nut and torque to specification per the service manual (typically 55-70 lb-ft for this application). Install a new cotter pin and bend the tabs.
10. 10

    Install ABS sensor and brake rotor
    Clean the ABS sensor bore in the knuckle and apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the sensor body (not the tip). Install the sensor and torque the mounting bolt to specification. Connect the electrical connector. Clean the hub face with a wire brush and install the brake rotor. Install the rotor retaining screw if equipped.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install brake caliper
    Remove the caliper from its support hanger and position it over the rotor. Install the caliper mounting bolts and torque to specification per the service manual (typically 180-220 lb-ft for this application). Pump the brake pedal several times to seat the caliper piston.
12. 12

    Install wheel and perform final checks
    Install the wheel and tire assembly. Thread all lug nuts by hand, then tighten in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern with the vehicle weight on the wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued to specification
2. Ensure all cotter pins are installed and properly bent
3. Check that brake caliper bolts are tight and brake pedal is firm
4. Verify ABS sensor connector is fully seated and secured

Verification

• Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speed to verify no unusual noises or vibrations
• Check for proper brake operation and pedal feel
• Verify steering operates smoothly without binding or unusual resistance
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around brake components
• Verify ABS warning light is not illuminated on the dash
• Have alignment checked by a professional immediately - ball joint replacement affects camber, caster, and toe settings

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