Dorman 686-279 Rear Left Knuckle Assembly

Dorman 686-279 is a loaded rear left steering knuckle assembly for select Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles. It arrives pre-assembled with the wheel bearing and hub already in place, helping reduce the time and difficulty of replacing a seized original knuckle.

Key Features

• Fits 2013-2019 Ford Explorer, rear left, with vented brake rotor
• Fits 2013-2019 Ford Police Interceptor Utility, rear left, with vented brake rotor
• Pre-assembled loaded knuckle for a faster repair process
• Proprietary corrosion-resistant coating helps reduce rust bonding between mating surfaces
• Includes a new rear left knuckle, wheel bearing, hub, and application-specific hardware
• Standard replacement design with aluminum construction and black/natural finish
• Part number: 686-279

Detailed Description

This Dorman OE FIX steering knuckle is built for rear left service on 2013-2019 Ford Explorer SUVs and 2013-2019 Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a vented brake rotor. The assembly addresses a common failure point where rust can seize the steering knuckle and hub together, making removal difficult and sometimes damaging the original knuckle during service. By supplying the knuckle, hub, and bearing already assembled, Dorman 686-279 helps streamline the repair and restore the rear suspension and hub interface with a more corrosion-resistant design.

This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts (e.g., 172286, 182286) for the same application.

What It Helps Repair

• Seized wheel hub and steering knuckle surfaces caused by corrosion
• Difficulty removing the original rear left knuckle during hub service
• Rust-related damage that can make the knuckle unsalvageable
• Rear wheel bearing and hub wear on Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility models
• Service delays caused by rebuilding the knuckle assembly separately

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify rear left fitment and vented brake rotor configuration before installation. Inspect the surrounding suspension and brake components for corrosion or wear, and follow factory torque specifications during reassembly. Because the assembly is pre-built, it can reduce bench work and simplify installation compared with rebuilding the knuckle from individual components.

Quality Assurance

Dorman OE FIX parts are engineered to address known OE service issues with application-specific improvements. Part number 686-279 uses a proprietary coating intended to help prevent corrosion between mating surfaces for a more durable repair on Ford Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility rear left applications.