Jeep Cherokee 1988 User manual

STEERING KNUCKLES - 4WD
1988 Jeep Cherokee
1988 4WD Steering Knuckles
ALL MANUFACTURERS
DESCRIPTION
Open type steering knuckles are used on all models. Open
type knuckles provide sharper turning angle, which will decrease
vehicle turning radius. Axle shafts are free floating. Depending upon
vehicle model, steering knuckles can be attached to axle housing by
either ball joints or roller bearings and king (pivot) pins.
OVERHAUL
BALL JOINT TYPE
Disassembly
1) Raise vehicle and support securely. Remove wheels. Remove
brake caliper and rotor. If equipped, remove locking hubs. See
appropriate LOCKING HUBS article in DRIVE AXLE section.
2) Disconnect tie rod end from steering knuckle. Remove
spindle nuts and lightly tap spindle with soft face hammer to free it
from steering knuckle. Pull out axle shaft assembly.
3) Clean all components with solvent and dry with compressed
air. Inspect all parts for burrs, chips, wear, flat spots or cracks.
Replace all damaged or worn parts.
NOTE: When aligning upper ball joint nut to install cotter pin,
always tighten nut to align. Never loosen nut to align holes.
Reassembly
To reassemble, reverse disassembly procedure. Torque all
fittings to specifications.
Fig. 1: Exploded View of Steering Knuckle Assembly
ADJUSTMENT

NOTE: All other models are not adjustable.
BALL JOINTS
Jeep, Truck & Wagoneer
1) Raise vehicle and remove front wheels. Disconnect
steering damper and connecting rod. Remove cotter pin from right side
tie rod retaining nut. Rotate steering knuckles through complete arc
several times.
2) Place torque wrench on right side tie rod retaining nut.
Torque to turn knuckles through complete arc should not be more than
25 ft. lbs. (34 N.m).
3) If turning effort is excessive, disconnect tie rod ends
at knuckles. Measure turning effort of right and left side knuckles.
Individual turning effort should not be more than 10 ft. lbs. (14
N.m).
4) If individual turning effort is more than specified,
replace upper ball joint split ring seat. If turning effort is more
than 10 ft. lbs. (14 N.m) after split ring seat replacement, ball
joints will have to be replaced.
TURNING ANGLE
Truck & Wagoneer
1) Turning angle stop screws are located at rear of steering
knuckle, just above axle centerline. To adjust, loosen lock nut on
turning angle stop screw. Jeep turning angle is not adjustable.
2) Using turntable to measure angle, adjust stop screw to
obtain specified angle. Tighten lock nut without changing setting.
TURN ANGLE ADJUSTMENT
TURNING ANGLE ADJUSTMENT TABLE
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Application Left Right
Wheel Wheel
Jeep
Cherokee,
Comanche,
& Wrangler .......... (1) 32-33

................. (1) 32-33

Wagoneer ................. 36-37

....................... 36-37

(1) - Angle stops are not adjustable. Parts must be replaced if
angle is incorrect.
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TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS TABLE
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Application Ft. Lbs.(N.m)
Ball Joint Type
Lower Ball Joint Nut
Jeep .................................................. 100 (136)
Upper Ball Joint Nut
Jeep .................................................. 100 (136)
Upper Ball Joint Split Retaining Seat
Jeep ..................................................... 50 (68)
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Fig. 2: Exploded View of Ball Joint Type Steering Knuckle
Assembly