LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1083 (Rear Suspension) >> Removal And Installation >> Lower Arm >> Removal and Installation

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, or an equivalent part, 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 to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

    All vehicles 

  1. Measure the distance from the center of the hub to the lip of the fender with the vehicle in a level, static ground position (curb height).
    Fig 1: Identifying Distance From Center Of Hub To Lip Of Fender
    G03988340Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
  3. Remove and discard the trailing arm-to-knuckle nut.
    • To install, tighten to 105 Nm (77 lb-ft).
  4. Loosen the trailing arm-to-subframe bolt and allow it to swing down.
    • Tighten to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft).
  5. Detach the wheel speed sensor harness from the toe link.
    Fig 2: Detaching Wheel Speed Sensor Harness
    G03988341Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Index-mark and loosen the toe link-to-subframe nut.
    • To install, tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).
      Fig 3: Identifying Index-Mark
      G03988342Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Remove and discard the toe link-to-wheel knuckle nut and bolt and allow the toe link to swing down.
    • To install, tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).

    8. 2WD vehicles 

  8. Remove and discard the 4 stabilizer bar bracket bolts.
    • To install, tighten to 58 Nm (43 lb-ft).

    9. All vehicles 

  9. Remove and discard the knuckle-to-lower arm bolt.
    • 2WD - To install, tighten to 160 Nm (118 lb-ft).
    • AWD - To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
  10. Remove and discard the shock absorber lower bolt.
    • 2WD - To install, tighten to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft).
    • AWD - To install, tighten to 142 Nm (105 lb-ft).
  11. Remove and discard the lower arm-to-subframe bolt.
    • 2WD - To install, tighten to 160 Nm (118 lb-ft).
    • AWD - To install, tighten to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).
    12. NOTE: Always install new suspension fasteners.
    NOTE: Before tightening the lower arm bolts, use a jack stand to raise the rear suspension until the distance between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to the measurement taken in the removal procedure (curb height).
  12. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
  13. Check and, if necessary, adjust the rear toe. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals