Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation is necessary. Do not use a new part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to FRONT SUSPENSION .
CAUTION: Do not use power tools to remove the stabilizer bar link nuts. Damage to the stabilizer bar link ball joints or boots can occur.

NOTE: To remove the stabilizer bar link nuts, first loosen the nuts, then use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stabilizer bar link ball joints from turning while removing the stabilizer bar link nuts.
Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link-to-strut nut.
- To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 1: Removing Stabilizer Bar Link-To-Strut Nut
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link-to-stabilizer bar nut.
- To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 2: Removing Stabilizer Bar Link-To-Stabilizer Bar Nut
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the stabilizer bar link.

NOTE: To install the nuts, use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stabilizer link ball joints from turning while installing the nuts until snug. Finally, tighten the nuts using a socket and a torque wrench.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Use new stabilizer bar link nuts.