Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are important parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation is necessary. Do not use a new 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: Make sure the steering wheel is in the UNLOCKED position.

NOTE: The stabilizer bushing and bracket are part of the stabilizer bar assembly. The stabilizer bar will not turn easily in the bushing.

All vehicles

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Disconnect the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) electrical connector and unclip the connector from the subframe.

Fig 1: Disconnecting Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

AWD vehicles

Remove the exhaust Y-pipe. For additional information, refer to EXHAUST SYSTEM .

NOTE: Front catalytic converter shown, rear similar.

Remove and discard the 2 upper catalytic converter-to-exhaust manifold bolts and gasket for the rear catalytic converter and remove the rear catalytic converter.
- To install, install a new gasket and tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 2: Locating Catalytic Converter Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All vehicles

CAUTION: Do not use power tools to remove the stabilizer bar link nut. Damage to the stabilizer link ball joint or boot can occur.

NOTE: To remove the stabilizer bar link nut, first loosen the nut, then use the hex-holding feature to prevent the ball joint from turning while removing the stabilizer bar link nut.

Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link lower nuts.
- To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).

NOTE: No special tools are necessary to separate the tie rod from the front knuckle; use a mallet to loosen the joint.

Remove and discard both tie-rod end nuts and separate the tie-rod ends from the knuckles.
- To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).

NOTE: Install the new lower arm forward bolts from the bottom of the lower arm bushing with the nuts on top.

Remove and discard the lower arm forward nuts and bolts for both lower arms.
- To install, tighten to 99 Nm (73 lb-ft).
Remove and discard the lower rearward bolt for both lower arms.
Position both lower arms aside.
- To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
Using a suitable jackstand, support the rear of the subframe.
Remove the power steering bracket bolt and position the power steering return line aside.
- To install, tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
  
  Fig 3: Removing Power Steering Bracket Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 steering gear nuts and bolts.
- To install, tighten to 117 Nm (86 lb-ft).
Remove and discard the 2 subframe bolts and the 4 subframe bracket bolts.
- To install, tighten the 4 subframe bracket bolts to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) and the 2 subframe bolts to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 4: Removing Subframe & Bracket Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Lower the rear of the subframe approximately 51 mm (2 in).

Fig 5: Measuring Lower Rear Of Subframe
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the LH and RH stabilizer bar bracket bolts.
- To install, tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).
Remove the stabilizer bar by guiding it between the subframe and the steering gear towards the RH side of the vehicle.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.