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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1245 (Rear Suspension) >> Removal And Installation >> Lower Arm >> Installation

Lower Arm: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Lincoln LS. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION: Do not tighten the lower arm-to-subframe fasteners until the suspension is at curb height. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to the bushings resulting in poor ride quality and handling.
  1. Install the lower arm.
    1. Position the suspension lower arm onto the subframe.
    2. Install new lower arm-to-frame bolts and nuts. Do not tighten at this time.
    Fig 1: Identifying Lower Arm & Lower Arm Pivot Bolts
    G03995105Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. Connect the lower arm to the knuckle. Install a new lower arm-to-wheel knuckle nut and bolt.
    • Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
    Fig 2: Connecting Lower Arm To Knuckle
    G03995106Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. CAUTION: Do not use air tools to install the nut. Damage to the boot can result.
    NOTE: Use the hex holding feature to prevent the stabilizer bar link ball joint from turning while installing the nut on the stabilizer bar link. Tighten the nut to specification using a socket and a torque wrench.
    Fig 3: Connecting Stabilizer Bar Link To Suspension Lower Arm
    G03995107Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Connect the stabilizer bar link to the suspension lower arm. Install a new stabilizer bar link nut.
    • Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
  5. Position the shock absorber and spring assembly onto the suspension lower arm. Install a new shock absorber-to-lower arm bolt.
    • Tighten to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).
    Fig 4: Positioning Shock Absorber And Spring Assembly Onto Suspension Lower Arm
    G03995108Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Position a jack stand under the lower arm and raise the suspension until the measurement between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to the measurement taken in Removal, Step 1 (curb height).
    Fig 5: Measuring Distance Between Center Of Hub And Lip Of Fender
    G03995098Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Tighten the lower arm-to-frame rear bolt. Tighten the lower arm-to-frame front nut.
    • Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
    Fig 6: Tightening Lower Arm-To-Frame Rear Bolt
    G03995110Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. Lower the suspension and remove the jack stand.
  9. Install the rear brake disc. For additional information, refer to REAR DISC BRAKE .
  10. Lower the vehicle.