Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Montego, 2006 Ford Freestyle, and 2006 Ford Five Hundred. 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 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 to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

Measure the distance from the center of the hub to the lip of the fender with the vehicle in a level, static ground position (curb height).

Fig 1: Identifying Distance From Center Of Hub To Lip Of Fender
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to WHEEL AND TIRE .
Using a suitable jackstand, support the front of the vehicle.
Position a suitable jackstand under the lower control arm at the shock and spring assembly attachment point, then raise it enough to compress the shock absorber and spring assembly.
Remove and discard the trailing arm-to-knuckle nut and bolt.
- To install, tighten to 110 N.m (81 lb-ft).
Remove and discard the trailing arm-to-subframe bolt.
- To install, tighten to 110 N.m (81 lb-ft).

NOTE:

Always install new suspension fasteners.
Before tightening the lower arm bolts, use a jackstand to raise the rear suspension until the distance between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to the measurement taken in the removal procedure (curb height).

To install, reverse the removal procedure.