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Removal & Installation: Spindle: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Ranger, 2003 Ford Ranger, and 2002 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: Anytime steering linkage must be disconnected from spindle, center steering wheel and linkage.
  1. Place steering wheel and steering system in centered position. Raise vehicle on hoist. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Remove brake shield. Use a suitable jack to support lower control arm. Remove shock absorber upper retaining nut, washer and insulator.
  2. Remove upper ball joint-to-spindle pinch bolt. Separate upper ball joint from spindle. See Fig 2 . Remove 2 shock absorber-to-lower control arm nuts. Compress shock absorber, and remove from vehicle. Remove cotter pin and tie rod end-to-spindle nut. Separate tie rod end from spindle using Pitman Arm Puller (T64P-3590-F).
  3. Vehicles with coil spring suspension, use Coil Spring Compressor (D78P-5310-A), and compress coil spring. On all models remove lower ball joint cotter pin and nut. Using pitman arm puller (T64P-3590-F), separate lower ball joint from spindle. See Fig 1 . Remove spindle from vehicle. Inspect upper and lower ball joints and seals for damage.
    Fig 1: Separating Lower Ball Joint From Spindle
    G00324330Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    Fig 2: Separating Upper Ball Joint From Spindle
    G00324331Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.