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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1161 (Front Suspension System -- 4X4) >> Removal And Installation >> Lower Arm >> Removal and Installation

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.
  1. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
  2. Remove and discard the lower ball joint-to-wheel knuckle cotter pin and castellated nut.
    • To install, tighten the nut to 175 Nm (129 lb-ft).
      Fig 1: Discarding Lower Ball Joint-To-Wheel Knuckle Cotter Pin And Castellated Nut
      G03943986Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    3. CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle can result.
    CAUTION: Do not damage the ball joint boot while installing the special tool.
    Fig 2: Separating Lower Ball Joint From Wheel Knuckle
    G03944004Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Using the special tool, separate the lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
  4. Remove and discard the front stabilizer bar nut and grommet.
    • To install, tighten the nut to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
  5. Remove the front stabilizer bar stud.
  6. Remove the front stabilizer bar link.
  7. Remove and discard the 3 shock absorber upper mount-to-frame nuts.
    • To install, tighten the nut to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
    8. NOTE: Do not tighten until the installation procedure is complete and the weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheel and tire assemblies.
  8. Remove the shock absorber-to-lower arm bolt.
    • To install, tighten the nut to 350 Nm (258 lb-ft).
  9. Remove and discard the shock absorber-to-lower arm flag nut.
  10. Remove the shock absorber and spring assembly.
    11. NOTE: Do not tighten until the installation procedure is complete and the weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheel and tire assemblies.
  11. Remove and discard the lower arm-to-frame nut (forward mounting).
    • To install, tighten the nut to 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).
  12. Remove the lower arm-to-frame flag bolt (forward mounting).
  13. Remove and discard the 2 lower arm-to-frame nuts (rearward mounting).
    • To install, tighten the nut to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
  14. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
    1. Check and, if necessary, align the front end.
    2. Always install new:
      • cotter pins.
      • castellated nuts.
      • front stabilizer bar nut and grommet.
      • shock absorber upper mount-to-frame nuts.
      • shock absorber-to-lower arm flag nut.
      • lower arm-to-frame nut (forward mounting).
      • lower arm-to-frame nuts (rearward mounting).
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