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.

Fig 1: Removing Rear Subframe

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All vehicles

Measure and record the vehicle ride height. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
Remove the rear wheels. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
With a wax pencil, mark the relational alignment of the rear subframe to the underbody at the mounting locations.
Remove the catalytic converter, muffler and tailpipe assembly.
- Remove the 2 catalytic converter nuts.
  - To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
- Disconnect the muffler and tailpipe assembly from the isolators.
- Remove the assembly.

NOTE: Index the driveshaft before disconnecting from the rear drive axle.

NOTE: It is necessary to install new driveshaft bolts during installation. Reuse of the driveshaft bolts is not recommended.

Remove the 6 driveshaft bolts.
- To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
Loosen the trailing link-to-subframe bolts.
- To install, tighten to 105 Nm (77 lb-ft).
Support and raise the knuckle with a suitable jack.
- Raise the knuckle until the tilt angle of the trailing link is horizontal to the body.
Remove the trailing link-to-knuckle bolts.
- To install, tighten to 105 Nm (77 lb-ft).
Position the trailing link aside.
Remove the rear shock-to-lower control arm bolts.
- To install, tighten the rear shock-to-lower control arm bolts - AWD to 142 Nm (105 lb-ft).
- To install, tighten the rear shock-to-lower control arm bolts - FWD to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft).
Disconnect the rear wheel speed sensor electrical connectors.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Electrical Connectors
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

AWD vehicles

Remove the rear axle assembly. For additional information, refer to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .

All vehicles

Release the park brake cable tension. For additional information, refer to PARKING BRAKE & ACTUATION .
Disconnect the intermediate park brake cable from the front park brake cable.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Intermediate Park Brake Cable From Front Park Brake Cable
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the intermediate cable from the body bracket.

Fig 4: Disconnecting Intermediate Cable From Body Bracket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the park brake cable-to-body bracket.
- To install, tighten to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
Disconnect the rear park brake cables at the equalizer.
Disconnect the rear park brake cables from the park brake levers at the rear calipers.
Disconnect the rear park brake cables from the park brake brackets.
Remove the rear brake caliper pins.
- To install, tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
Remove the rear calipers and the rear caliper brackets and attach aside to the body with mechanic's wire. It is not necessary to disconnect the hydraulic brake lines.

AWD vehicles

Remove the 4 rear subframe bracket bolts.
- To install, tighten to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).

All vehicles

CAUTION: When positioning the lifting table, be sure to support the rear subframe on the subframe rails. Do not lift on the rear differential or rear control arms, damage may occur.

Position a lifting table.
Remove the 4 rear subframe bolts.
- To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).

AWD vehicles

Remove the 2 rear subframe brackets.

All vehicles

Remove the rear subframe assembly.
Transfer components as necessary.

NOTE: Install new suspension fasteners during assembly.

NOTE: Before tightening the upper control, toe link, trailing arm and lower control arm bolts, use a jackstand to raise the rear suspension to ride height.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- For installation, align the subframe to the body following the alignment specification.
- Check and, if necessary, adjust the rear toe. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
  
  Fig 5: Installing Rear Suspension
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.