Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The fuel tank support straps may be removed or installed without removing the fuel tank if each fuel tank support strap is removed and installed one at a time and the fuel tank is supported.

NOTE: The hinged end of the fuel tank support strap attachment holds the fuel tank support strap in place if the fuel tank is removed. The hinged end of the fuel tank support strap uses an alignment pin.

Raise and support the vehicle.
Position a safety support under the fuel tank.
Remove the fuel tank support strap bolt.

Fig 1: Identifying Fuel Tank Support Strap Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Align the support strap pin with the hole in the body bracket and remove the pin.
Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for additional strap removal as necessary.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.