Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and 2004 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Remove and discard the nut.

Fig 1: Removing Axle-To-Hub Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The wheel speed sensor connectors are located in the engine compartment and are secured to the fender aprons.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Wheel Speed Sensor Connector

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Disconnect the wheel speed sensor connector.
Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to WHEEL AND TIRE - FRONT .
Detach the harness from the retainers.

Fig 3: Detaching Harness From Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not allow the disc brake caliper to hang suspended from the brake hose. Provide a suitable support.

Fig 4: Positioning Brake Caliper And Support Bracket Aside

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the bolts and position the brake caliper and support bracket aside.
Remove the brake disc.

Fig 5: Removing Brake Disc
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the outboard CV joint from the hub. Damage to the threads and internal CV joint components can result.

Fig 6: Pressing Outboard CV Joint Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, press the outboard CV joint until it is loose in the hub.
Remove and discard the cotter pin and the castellated nut.

Fig 7: Removing Cotter Pin And Castellated Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the tie-rod from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle will result.

CAUTION: Do not damage the tie-rod boot when installing the special tool.

Fig 8: Separating Tie-Rod From Wheel Knuckle Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, separate the tie-rod from the wheel knuckle.
Remove and discard the cotter pin and the castellated nut.

Fig 9: Removing Cotter Pin And Castellated Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle will result.

Fig 10: Separating Lower Ball Joint From Wheel Knuckle Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, separate the lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle. Reinstall and hand-tighten the lower ball joint castellated nut.
Remove and discard the upper ball joint nut.

Fig 11: Removing Upper Ball Joint Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Secure the front axle shaft to prevent the CV joint and boots from overextending. Failure to do so can cause damage to the CV joint and boots.

CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle will result.

CAUTION: Do not damage the ball joint when installing the special tool.

Fig 12: Separating Upper Ball Joint From Wheel Knuckle

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, separate the upper ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
Remove the hand-tightened lower ball joint castellated nut and remove the wheel knuckle.
Remove the snap ring from the ball joint. Discard the snap ring.

Fig 13: Removing Snap Ring From Ball Joint
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a suitable ball joint remover tool, remove the ball joint.

Fig 14: Removing Ball Joint
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not damage the ball joint boot when installing the special tool.

NOTE: Apply a thin coat of silicone sealant to the wheel hub mounting surfaces before installation.

NOTE: Clean and inspect the control arm ball joint bore for damage before installing a new ball joint.

NOTE: Make sure the new ball joint snap ring is fully seated.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Always install new castellated nuts and cotter pins.