OEM 2000 Dodge Viper Steering Knuckle

2000 Dodge Viper Steering Knuckle Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Properly Remove and Install a Steering Knuckle on 2000 Dodge Viper?

  A: It is important to check all warnings and cautions about suspension and service before you begin the job. First, you should lift the car, then remove both the wheels and the tires to take out the steering knuckle. Remove the bolt on the front hub/bearing that holds the brake hose bracket to the steering knuckle, then grab each of the bolts that connect the brake caliper to the steering knuckle and hang it from the upper control arm using mechanics wire, being certain not to hang it by the flex hose. Also, disconnect the rotor from the hub, remove the cotter pin and nut from the outer tie rod end and use Puller, Special Tool C-3894-A, to separate the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle. Take out the cotter pin and nut from the lower ball joint stud and slide Special Tool 6983, known as Spacer, between the grease seal and the steering knuckle. Do not forget to use tool C-4150A called Puller while applying all ball bearing pressure on the bolt and spacer. After you've taken apart the cotter pin and nut, use a Remover and Special Tool C-4150A to separate the upper ball joint stud from the steering knuckle and then remove the steering knuckle from both ends of the control arms. Take the front hub/bearing from the old knuckle and put it on the new one. First, pr Attach the outer tie rod onto the steering knuckle, making sure both are tightened to 34 Nm (25 ft. lbs.) and then add the cotter pin. Tighten the upper ball joint stud nut to 102 Nm (75 ft. lbs.) to make installing the cotter pin possible and then tighten the lower ball joint nut to 160 Nm (118 ft. lbs.) and secure the cotter pin. Place the brake rotor on the front hub/bearing, connect the brake caliper on and tighten its bolts to 115 Nm (85 ft. lbs.). Line up the brake hose bracket over the steering knuckle hole, attach the hub/bearing mounting bolt and crank it to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.). Reinstall the wheel and tire and put in the wheel stud nuts according to the designed order, but only tighten them to half specification at first. After that, repeat to tighten them to the full amount suggested which is 122 Nm (90 ft. lbs.). In the end, adjust the car so it is lower than normal, place it on an alignment rack or drive-on hoist, measure the curb height and do the needed corrections before performing the alignment.