Removal and Installation

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

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical components because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. New fasteners must be installed with the same component number or an equivalent component if installation is necessary. Do not use a replacement component of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these components. Orientation of the fasteners is also important. Make sure the fasteners are installed in the same direction as they were in when removed.

Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
Remove and discard the 3 shock absorber upper mounting plate-to-frame nuts.
- To install, tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
Remove the jounce bumper.
Remove the stabilizer link nut and grommet.
Remove the stabilizer link stud.
- To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
Remove and discard the lower arm-to-wheel knuckle nut.
- To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
Remove the lower arm-to-wheel knuckle bolt.

NOTE: Do not tighten until the installation procedure is complete and the weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheel and tire assemblies.

Remove the shock absorber-to-lower arm bolt.
- To install, tighten to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft).
Remove and discard the shock absorber-to-lower arm flag nut.
Remove the shock absorber and spring assembly. For additional information, refer to SHOCK ABSORBER AND SPRING ASSEMBLY .
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Always install new:
  - shock absorber upper mounting plate-to-frame nuts.
  - lower arm-to-wheel knuckle nut.
  - shock absorber-to-lower arm flag nut.