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.

CAUTION: Do not loosen the axle wheel hub retainer until the wheel and tire are removed from the vehicle. Wheel bearing damage will occur if the wheel bearing is unloaded with the weight of the vehicle applied.

NOTE: Have an assistant press the brake pedal to keep the axle from turning.

Remove the axle-to-wheel hub retainer nut and washer.
- Discard the nut.
- To install, tighten to 275 Nm (203 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 1: Discarding Nut
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the bolt and disconnect the wheel speed sensor.
- To install, tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).
  
  Fig 2: Removing Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the parking brake shoes. For additional information, refer to PARKING BRAKE AND ACTUATION .
Remove and discard the toe link-to-wheel knuckle nut.
- To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).

CAUTION: Do not damage the boot while separating the toe link from the wheel knuckle.

Remove the bolt and separate the toe link from the wheel knuckle.
Remove and discard the upper arm-to-wheel knuckle nut.
- To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).

CAUTION: Do not damage the boot while separating the ball joint from the wheel knuckle.

Remove the bolt and separate the upper arm from the wheel knuckle.

CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the outboard CV joint from the hub. Damage to the threads and internal CV joint components can result.

Fig 3: Pressing Outboard CV Joint

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, press the outboard CV joint until it is loose from the hub.
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.
Position aside the park brake cable and remove the wheel knuckle.
Remove the 3 brake disc shield-to-wheel knuckle bolts.
- To install, tighten to 13 Nm (10 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 4: Removing Brake Disc Shield-To-Wheel Knuckle Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a suitable press, remove the wheel hub.

Fig 5: Removing Wheel Hub
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the brake disc shield.

NOTE: This step may not be necessary if the inner wheel bearing race remains in the wheel knuckle after removing the wheel hub.

Fig 6: Pressing Inner Wheel Bearing Race From Wheel Hub

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If necessary, using the special tool, press the inner wheel bearing race from the wheel hub.
Remove the wheel bearing retainer ring.
Using a suitable press and adapter, remove and discard the wheel bearing.

Fig 7: Removing Wheel Bearing Retainer Ring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Always install a new:
  - axle-to-wheel hub retainer nut.
  - toe link-to-wheel knuckle nut.
  - upper arm-to-wheel knuckle nut.
  - lower arm-to-wheel knuckle nut.
  - wheel bearing.