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.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
Remove and discard the axle retainer nut.
- To install, tighten the nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 1: Discarding Axle Retainer Nut
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The wheel speed sensor connectors are located in the engine compartment and are secured to the fender aprons.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Wheel Speed Sensor Connector

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Disconnect the wheel speed sensor connector.
Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
Detach the harness from the retainers.

Fig 3: Locating Wheel Speed Sensor Harness And Brake Hose
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not allow the disc brake caliper to hang suspended from the brake hose. Provide a suitable support.

Remove the bolts and position the brake caliper and support bracket aside.
- To install, tighten the bolts to 112 Nm (83 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 4: Removing Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the brake disc.

Fig 5: Removing Brake Disc
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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 6: Pressing Outboard CV Joint

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, press the outboard CV joint until it is loose in the hub.
Remove and discard the cotter pin and the castellated nut.
- To install, tighten the nut to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 7: Discarding Cotter Pin And Castellated Nut
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the tie-rod from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle will result.

CAUTION: Do not damage the tie-rod boot when installing the special tool.

Fig 8: Separating Tie-Rod From Wheel Knuckle

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, separate the tie-rod from the wheel knuckle.
Remove and discard the cotter pin and the castellated nut.
- To install, tighten the nut to 175 Nm (129 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 9: Discarding Cotter Pin And Castellated Nut
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle will result.

Fig 10: Separating Lower Ball Joint From Wheel Knuckle

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, separate the lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle. Reinstall and hand-tighten the lower ball joint castellated nut.
Remove and discard the upper ball joint nut.
- To install, tighten the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 11: Discarding Upper Ball Joint Nut
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Secure the front axle shaft to prevent the CV joint and boots from overextending. Failure to do so can cause damage to the CV joint and boots.

CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle will result.

CAUTION: Do not damage the ball joint when installing the special tool.

Fig 12: Separating Upper Ball Joint From Wheel Knuckle

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, separate the upper ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
Remove the hand-tightened lower ball joint castellated nut and remove the wheel knuckle.
Remove and discard the snap ring from the ball joint.

Fig 13: Discarding Snap Ring From Ball Joint
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a suitable ball joint remover tool, remove the ball joint.

Fig 14: Removing Ball Joint
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not damage the ball joint boot when installing the special tool.

NOTE: Apply a thin coat of silicone sealant to the wheel hub mounting surfaces before installation.

NOTE: Clean and inspect the control arm ball joint bore for damage before installing a new ball joint.

NOTE: Make sure the new ball joint snap ring is fully seated.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Always install new:
  - castellated nuts.
  - cotter pins.
  - snap rings.
  - upper ball joint nuts.
  - axle retainer nut.