Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is 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.

NOTE: Do not allow the steering column to rotate while the steering column shaft is disconnected or damage to the clockspring may result. If there is evidence that the lower shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ article.

NOTE: Use a steering wheel holding device (such as Hunter® 28-75-1 or equivalent).

Fig 1: Holding Steering Wheel

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using a suitable holding device, hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.
Remove the 2 lower steering column shaft joint cover nuts and cover.

NOTE: Do not allow the steering column shaft to rotate while it is disconnected from the gear or damage to the clockspring can occur. If there is evidence that the steering column shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ article.

NOTE: If equipped with Hydraulic Power Assist Steering (HPAS), index-mark the steering column shaft position to the steering gear for reference during installation.

Remove the bolt and disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear.
- To install on HPAS vehicles, align the index marks and tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
- To install on Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) vehicles, tighten to 20 Nm (177 lb-in).

NOTE: Remove the steering column shaft-to-dash seal or damage to the seal can occur.

NOTE: When installing, make sure that the dash seal is correctly positioned on the steering gear and the retaining clips are fully engaged into the body or damage to the steering gear can result.

Fig 2: Locating Steering Column Shaft-To-Dash Seal

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the steering column shaft-to-dash seal.
Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES article.
Remove the 8 screws and position the LH and RH splash shields aside.

Fig 3: Locating LH/RH Splash Shields Screws
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 6 pin-type retainers (4 shown in illustration) and the RH splash shield.

Fig 4: Locating Splash Shield With Pin-Type Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 6 pin-type retainers (4 shown in illustration) and the LH splash shield.

Fig 5: Locating LH Splash Pin-Type Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If equipped, remove the 7 screws and the underbody cover shield.
- To install, tighten 7 Nm (62 lb-in).
Fig 6: Locating Underbody Shield Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the 2 catalytic converter manifold-to-exhaust flexible pipe nuts and separate the exhaust flexible pipe.
- To install, tighten the new nuts to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
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 new bolts to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
- To install, tighten the new nuts to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
Remove and discard the rear lower ball joint nut.
- To install, tighten the new nut to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).

NOTE: 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 Ball Joint Separator and Adapter, it may be necessary to tap the wheel knuckle at the ball joint area to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle.

Fig 7: Separating Rear Lower Ball Joint From Wheel Knuckle Using Ball Joint Separator And Adapter

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the Ball Joint Separator and Adapter, 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 the new bolt to 65 Nm (48 lb-ft), then tighten an additional 90 degrees.

NOTE: 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). This will prevent incorrect clamp load and bushing damage.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Fig 8: Identifying Position Of Suspension From Center Of Hub And Lip Of Fender With Specifications

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.