Need some info for replacing my knuckle.

I need to replace the passenger knuckle on my 2001 TJ. I have never done anything like this so I have some questions.

From what I have read this is what I will need to do, any advice will be appreciated.

*Remove the cotter pin
*Remove the cap and spring
*Remove the nut - Will I need a 35mm or 36mm socket?
*Remove the caliber 2/13mm bolts and zip tie/secure to the spring
*Remove the rotor
*Remove the hub 3/18mm bolts

Is there anything special about removing the rotor?
Do I have to remove the axle shaft to replace the knuckle?

Thanks in advance!

Just did this!

I assume that you TJ axle is stock d30?

When you remove the rotor just be gentle with it and not through on the cement floor. Put it on a piece of cardboard or something and then clean it before you put it back on. Also, make sure you don't let your caliper pull too hard on the brake lines.

You do not have to remove the axle shaft but the whole hub will need to come out. I am pretty sure a 35mm socket will work but would I would do is keep the shaft attached to the hub (don't remove that huge nut basically) and pull the hub out with the shaft attached still.

I noticed when I was trying to replace the knuckle my lower control arm mount is bent. When the knuckle broke, the tire slammed against the lower control arm. Could someone recommend a lower control arm bracket. I saw the blue torch fab one, are there others I should look at?


Thanks for the advice TMBJK.

I got my caliper off, but couldn't find my 13mm socket to get the hub off. So I will try to at least get the knuckle replaced tomorrow.

holy crap! nice work! blue torch makes pretty good stuff.

I got the old knuckle off, but when I tried to put the new knuckle on it won't seat right and is very hard to turn. I am wondering if my ball joints were bent and that is the reason for the knuckle not turning freely. I guess I am going to order some balls joints.

Could someone tell me how hard is it to replace a ball joint? I was looking on stu offroad and he was talking about getting a quality ball joint press. So I guess I will be dropping some more cash.

autozone rents them and I have used that model. It's decent. The amount you use it, I probably wouldn't buy one (remember, I'm a cheap bastard ) on the other hand that press can be utilized for lots-o-stuff other than ball joints.

they are easy to work on but like he said, rent the tool.