Removal and Installation
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.
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.
- Place the steering wheel in the straight ahead position and the ignition key in the OFF position.
- Remove the 2 lower steering column shaft joint cover bolts and cover.
- Remove the bolt and disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear.
- To install, align the index marks, tighten to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft).
- Remove the steering column shaft-to-dash seal.
- With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
- If equipped, remove the 7 screws and the underbody cover.
- Remove the 8 screws and position the LH and RH splash shields aside.
- Remove the 6 pin-type retainers (4 shown) and the RH splash shield.
- Remove the 6 pin-type retainers (4 shown) and the LH splash shield.
- Using 2 suitable jack stands, support the rear of the subframe assembly.
- Remove and discard the 4 subframe bracket-to-body bolts, the 2 subframe bracket-to-subframe nuts and washers. Lower the rear of the subframe.
- To install, tighten the bolts to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
- To install, tighten the nuts to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
- Remove and discard the rear lower ball joint nut.
- To install, tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
- Using the special tools, separate the rear lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
- Remove the rear lower arm-to-subframe bolt and washer and remove the rear lower arm.
- Discard the bolt and washer.
- To install, tighten to 65 Nm (48 lb-ft), then tighten an additional 90 degrees with the suspension at the bushing fastener tightening position.
- To install, reverse the removal procedure.
CAUTION:
Do not allow the intermediate shaft to rotate while it is disconnected from the gear or damage to the clockspring can occur. If there is evidence that the intermediate shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
.
NOTE:
Index the steering column shaft position to the steering gear for reference during installation.
CAUTION:
Remove the steering column shaft-to-dash seal or damage to the seal can occur.
CAUTION:
Make sure that the dash seal is properly installed on the steering gear and the retaining clips are fully engaged into the body or damage to the steering gear can result.
NOTE:
RH shown, LH similar.
CAUTION:
When the lower ball joint is separated from the wheel knuckle, the lower arm may strike the outer constant velocity (CV) joint boot with enough force to damage the boot clamp. This will result in a loss of grease from the outer CV joint. Place a block of wood, or similar item, between the lower arm and the outer CV joint to prevent the lower arm from striking the outer CV joint.
NOTE:
Once pressure is applied to the ball joint with the special tool, it may be necessary to tap the wheel knuckle at the ball joint area to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
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 402 mm (15.83 in).