Subframe - Rear

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2006 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SPECIAL TOOL(S)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Powertrain Lift Table
014-00765

Fig 1: Identifying Subframe Remove/Install Components - Rear

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital parts and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

Remove the rear wheels. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
With a wax pencil, mark the relationship alignment of the rear subframe to the underbody at the mounting locations.

Fig 2: Locating Rear Subframe Mark
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the LH and RH rear lower control arms. For additional information, refer to REAR SUSPENSION .
Remove the catalytic converter, muffler and tailpipe as an assembly.
Remove the bolt from the LH and RH wheel speed sensors.

Fig 3: Locating Wheel Speed Sensors Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the LH and RH wheel speed sensors from the trailing link and position aside.

Fig 4: Locating LH And RH Wheel Speed Sensors Trailing Link
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 4 bolts (2 each side) from the rear hub spindle-to-brake caliper.
- To install, tighten to 59 Nm (44 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 5: Locating Rear Hub Spindle-To-Brake Caliper Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the brake calipers aside using mechanic's wire. It is not necessary to disconnect the hydraulic brake lines.

Fig 6: Locating Hydraulic Brake Lines
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the bolts from the parking brake cable-to-trailing link bracket.
- To install, tighten to 22 Nm (16 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 7: Locating Parking Brake Cable-To-Trailing Link Bracket Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the rear shock-to-trailing link lower bolts and flagnuts.
- To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) with the suspension at the bushing fastener tightening position.
  
  Fig 8: Locating Rear Shock-To-Trailing Link Lower Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 4 bolts and cone washers (2 each side) from the trailing links-to-vehicle body.
- To install, tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 9: Locating Trailing Links-To-Vehicle Body Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
CAUTION: The rear subframe must be secured to the lifting table. The rear subframe can become unstable and fall from the lifting table.
Position the lifting table under the rear subframe.

Fig 10: Identifying Special Tools
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 4 (2 each side) front bushing brace-to-body bolts.
- To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 11: Locating Bushing Brace-To-Body Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 front (1 each side) mounting nuts and washers.
- To install, tighten to 101 Nm (74 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 12: Locating Front Mounting Nuts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 rear mounting nuts.
- To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 13: Locating Rear Mounting Nuts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the rear subframe.
Transfer the components as necessary.

CAUTION: Before tightening any suspension bushing fasteners, the suspension must be at the bushing fastener tightening position. Use a suitable jack to raise the suspension until the distance between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to 395 mm (15.55 in).

Fig 14: Identifying Distance Between Center Of Hub And Lip Of Fender

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.