Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Pickup, 2004 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2004 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2004 Ford Excursion, and 2004 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Remove the disc brake calipers.
- Remove the bolts.
- Lift the disc brake caliper from the disc brake caliper anchor plate.
- Using mechanic's wire, position the disc brake caliper aside.
Remove the disc brake pads.
1. Remove the disc brake pads.
2. Remove the front disc brake caliper anchor rail clips.
  
  Fig 1: Removing Disc Brake Pads
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the power vacuum hub hose from the knuckle, then disconnect the ABS sensor.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Power Vacuum Hub Hose And ABS Sensor
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the front stabilizer bar-to-axle retaining bolts.

Fig 3: Removing Front Stabilizer Bar-To-Axle Retaining Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If equipped, disconnect the steering damper at the axle. Refer to STEERING LINKAGE

Fig 4: Disconnecting Steering Damper At Axle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the steering linkage at the steering knuckles and position it aside. Refer to STEERING LINKAGE .

Fig 5: Disconnecting Steering Linkage (1 Of 2)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 6: Disconnecting Steering Linkage (2 Of 2)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Index-mark the driveshaft to the companion flange to maintain proper driveline balance.

Disconnect the driveshaft at the front axle and position it aside. Refer to DRIVESHAFT .
- Wrap electrical tape around the bearing cups.
  
  Fig 7: Disconnecting Driveshaft At Front Axle
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the vent tube and plug the fitting.

Fig 8: Disconnecting Vent Tube And Plug Fitting
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: It is necessary to load the suspension to remove the trackbar. Load the springs by allowing most of the front vehicle weight to rest on the axle.

Support the axle with a suitable jack and lower the vehicle enough to relieve the tension on the trackbar. Then, disconnect the trackbar at the axle and position it aside.
- Relieve the load on the suspension after disconnecting the trackbar.
- Leave the jack supporting the axle for removal from the vehicle.
  
  Fig 9: Disconnecting Trackbar
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the U-bolts securing the axle to the springs.

Fig 10: Removing U-Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Lower and remove the axle.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Check and, if necessary, fill the axle with the specified lubricant. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS .
  
  Fig 11: Installing U-Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  
  Fig 12: Installing Trackbar
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  
  Fig 13: Installing Front Stabilizer Bar-To-Axle Retaining Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.