Complete replacement of the rear knuckle/spindle assembly on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins diesel, including disconnection of brake components, wheel hub, and suspension links.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear knuckle/spindle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint nut (if not reusable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Wheel hub seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• ABS sensor O-ring (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and chock front wheels securely
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support on heavy-duty jack stands positioned on frame rails
4. Remove rear wheel on affected side
5. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15 minutes
6. Place a floor jack under the rear axle to support weight during disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper assembly
   Remove the two caliper mounting bolts from the rear of the knuckle. Carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and hang it from the frame or suspension using mechanic's wire or a caliper hanger. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake rotor and components
   Remove the brake rotor from the hub. If the rotor is stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap it free. On models with parking brake, disconnect the parking brake cable from the caliper bracket by compressing the retaining tab and sliding the cable end out of the lever.
   ⚠Brake rotors may have a sharp lip at the outer edge from wear. Handle carefully to avoid cuts.
3. 3

   Disconnect ABS sensor
   Locate the rear ABS wheel speed sensor mounted in the knuckle. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the sensor mounting bolt. Carefully extract the sensor from the knuckle bore using a gentle twisting motion. Note the routing of the sensor wire for reinstallation.
   ⚠ABS sensors are fragile. Do not pry on the sensor tip or use excessive force, as it may break off in the bore.
4. 4

   Remove wheel hub and bearing assembly
   Remove the four hub mounting bolts from the back side of the knuckle. These bolts pass through the knuckle from the brake side. Pull the hub assembly straight out of the knuckle. If stuck, use a slide hammer with hub adapter or carefully tap around the hub flange with a soft mallet while pulling outward.
   ℹ️The hub is heavy and may come free suddenly. Support it to prevent dropping.
5. 5

   Disconnect upper ball joint
   Locate the upper ball joint nut where the upper control arm connects to the top of the knuckle. Remove the cotter pin if present. Using a socket and breaker bar, loosen and remove the ball joint nut. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the ball joint stud from the knuckle. Position a floor jack under the lower control arm to support the knuckle before final separation.
   ⚠The knuckle will drop when the ball joint separates. Ensure adequate support is in place.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect lower ball joint
   Remove the lower ball joint nut (remove cotter pin first if equipped). Use a ball joint separator to break the taper between the ball joint stud and knuckle. Lower the floor jack slowly to allow the knuckle to separate from the lower control arm while keeping it controlled.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Disconnect shock absorber
   Remove the lower shock mounting bolt that connects the shock absorber to the knuckle or axle bracket near the knuckle. Swing the shock out of the way. On models with the shock mounted to the knuckle itself, this bolt must be removed to free the knuckle.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove knuckle assembly
   With all connections separated, carefully maneuver the knuckle assembly away from the vehicle. Inspect all mounting surfaces on the control arms and ball joint studs for damage, corrosion, or excessive wear. Clean all mating surfaces with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
   ℹ️Take photos or make notes of component orientation before removal to ensure correct reinstallation.
9. 9

   Prepare and install new knuckle
   Clean the new knuckle hub bore and ABS sensor bore thoroughly. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize to the ball joint stud tapers (not the threads). Position the new knuckle onto the lower ball joint stud first, then raise it into position on the upper ball joint using the floor jack for support. Install both ball joint nuts finger-tight.
   ⚠Do not apply grease or anti-seize to ball joint tapers if using self-locking nuts, as this can affect torque values.
10. 10

    Torque ball joint connections
    Torque the upper ball joint nut to specification, then the lower ball joint nut to specification. Install new cotter pins if the castle nut design is used. If the cotter pin holes do not align, tighten the nut further (never loosen) until alignment is achieved, not exceeding 10% over specified torque.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall shock absorber
    Align the shock absorber with its lower mounting point on the knuckle or nearby bracket. Install the mounting bolt and torque to specification. Ensure the shock is not twisted or binding.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install wheel hub assembly
    Install a new hub seal if required. Clean the hub mounting surface on the knuckle. Align the hub assembly with the mounting holes and slide it into the knuckle bore. Install the four hub mounting bolts from the back side and torque in a cross pattern to prevent hub distortion. Verify the hub spins freely without binding.
    ℹ️Hub bolt torque specifications may vary. Consult service manual for exact torque value as it is not listed in provided specs.
13. 13

    Reinstall ABS sensor
    Install a new O-ring on the ABS sensor if equipped. Apply a small amount of brake-safe grease to the sensor O-ring. Insert the sensor into the knuckle bore carefully, ensuring it seats fully. Install the sensor mounting bolt and torque to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector and route the wire as noted during disassembly.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall brake components
    Install the brake rotor onto the hub. Reconnect the parking brake cable if equipped. Remove the caliper from its hanger and position it over the rotor. Install the caliper mounting bolts and torque to specification. Pump the brake pedal several times to restore proper caliper piston position.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install wheel and perform final checks
    Install the rear wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent wheel rotation. Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Check and bleed the brake system if necessary. Clear any ABS fault codes with a scan tool.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specified values using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly routed
3. Verify brake pedal feels firm before test driving vehicle
4. Road test in a safe area at low speed to verify proper operation before returning to normal service

Verification

• Check that all fasteners are torqued to specification and cotter pins are installed where required
• Verify the wheel rotates freely without rubbing or grinding noises
• Confirm brake pedal is firm and brakes engage properly without pulling to one side
• Test drive vehicle and verify ABS light is not illuminated and no abnormal noises are present
• Perform a visual inspection underneath to ensure no components are loose or improperly installed
• Verify parking brake engages and releases properly if equipped on rear axle

More procedures for this vehicle