Removal And Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Lincoln Mark LT and 2007 Ford Pickup. 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 parts and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation becomes 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.

CAUTION: Use the holding feature to prevent the stud (outer tie-rod end, lower ball joint and upper ball joint) from turning while removing or installing the nuts.

CAUTION: Do not strike the ball studs to separate them from the wheel knuckle or damage to the ball studs can occur. Lightly tap the wheel spindle to loosen the ball studs.

NOTE: The upper ball joint, the lower ball joint and the outer tie-rod end ball studs do not require special tools to separate from the wheel spindle.

Remove the wheel bearing and wheel hub. For additional information, refer to Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub .
If equipped, remove the front wheel speed sensor bolt and position the wheel speed sensor aside.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
  
  Fig 1: Locating Front Wheel Speed Sensor Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the outer tie-rod end nut and detach the tie-rod end from the wheel spindle.
- To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
Remove and discard the upper ball joint nut, then detach the upper ball joint from the wheel spindle and remove the wheel spindle.
- If necessary, remove the brake shield.
- To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
Remove and discard the lower ball joint nut and detach the lower ball joint from the wheel spindle.
- To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Check and, if necessary, align the front end. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.