This procedure covers removal and installation of the rear knuckle/spindle assembly on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with 1.8L I4 engine, including disconnection of brakes, wheel speed sensor, and suspension components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear knuckle/spindle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint nut (if reusing knuckle) × 1 — 90179-10162
• Brake fluid × 1 — DOT 3

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer specified jacking points
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Apply penetrating oil to all fasteners that will be removed and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two brake caliper mounting bolts (typically 14mm). Carefully lift caliper off rotor without twisting or straining the brake hose. Hang caliper from suspension or body using wire or caliper hanger - do not let it hang by the brake hose. Remove caliper bracket mounting bolts and bracket. Slide brake rotor off hub.
2. 2

   Disconnect wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector on the knuckle or trailing arm. Press the tab and disconnect the electrical connector. Remove the sensor mounting bolt (typically 10mm) and carefully extract the sensor from the knuckle. Keep sensor clean and protected from debris.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting to the rear suspension. Hold the ball stud with an Allen key to prevent spinning. Remove the upper or lower nut (whichever connects to the knuckle or trailing arm) using appropriate wrench. Separate the link from the mounting point.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the strut to the rear knuckle (typically 17mm). Support the knuckle assembly with a floor jack or have an assistant support it. Remove both strut mounting bolts completely. The knuckle will now pivot freely at the control arm connection.
   ⚠Support the knuckle assembly before removing these bolts to prevent sudden drop and potential injury or component damage.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect ball joint from control arm
   Locate the ball joint nut connecting the knuckle to the rear control arm. Remove the cotter pin if present. Using a 19mm socket, remove the ball joint nut completely. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the ball joint taper from the control arm. Apply steady pressure - the joint will release with a pop.
   ⚠Ball joint separators can damage the boot. If reusing the ball joint, use a proper separator tool rather than a pickle fork.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove hub assembly from knuckle (if equipped)
   If the hub bearing is pressed into the knuckle and you are replacing only the knuckle, the hub will need to be separated. Remove the four hub mounting bolts from the rear of the knuckle. Carefully tap the hub out using a soft mallet or press if necessary. Inspect hub bearing for wear or damage.
7. 7

   Install hub into new knuckle
   Clean the hub mounting surface on the new knuckle. Align the hub with the knuckle bore and press or carefully tap into position. Install the four hub mounting bolts from the rear and tighten evenly in a cross pattern. Clean all mating surfaces on the new knuckle.
8. 8

   Connect ball joint to control arm
   Position the knuckle assembly and align the ball joint stud with the hole in the control arm. Install a new ball joint nut and tighten to specification. The nut should be tightened enough to align the cotter pin hole, but do not back off to align - tighten further if needed. Install new cotter pin and bend tabs.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Align the knuckle with the strut mounting holes. You may need to use a pry bar or jack to position the knuckle correctly. Insert both strut bolts and install nuts. Tighten bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even seating.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link into the mounting point on the knuckle or trailing arm. Install the nut and hold the ball stud with an Allen key while tightening the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Install wheel speed sensor
    Clean the sensor bore in the knuckle with brake cleaner. Apply a thin coat of high-temperature grease to the sensor O-ring if equipped. Insert the wheel speed sensor into the knuckle and install mounting bolt. Do not overtighten. Reconnect the electrical connector ensuring it clicks securely.
12. 12

    Install brake components
    Slide brake rotor onto hub and secure with a lug nut temporarily if necessary. Install brake caliper bracket and tighten mounting bolts securely. Position brake caliper over rotor and install caliper mounting bolts. Pump brake pedal several times to seat brake pads.
13. 13

    Install wheel and perform final torque
    Install wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels just touch ground but suspension is not fully loaded. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Lower vehicle completely to ground so full weight is on suspension. Torque control arm bolts to specification with vehicle weight on wheels.
    ℹ️Control arm bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension to prevent premature bushing failure.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all torque specifications are met, particularly control arm bolts which must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels
2. Verify brake caliper bolts are secure and brake pedal is firm before moving vehicle
3. Check that wheel speed sensor connector is fully seated and secured

Verification

• Pump brake pedal until firm - pedal should not go to floor
• Check for any brake fluid leaks around caliper connections
• Verify wheel rotates freely without rubbing or grinding
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify proper brake operation
• Have wheel alignment checked and adjusted as knuckle replacement will affect alignment settings
• Check for ABS warning light - should not illuminate with properly connected wheel speed sensor

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