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.

WARNING: All vehicles are equipped with gas-pressurized front shock absorbers which will extend unassisted. Do not apply heat or flame to the front shock absorber during removal or disassembly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

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 during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

NOTE: Turn the ignition switch to the UNLOCKED position.

Loosen the strut and spring assembly mount nuts.
- Tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 1: Loosening Strut And Spring Assembly Mount Nuts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Remove and discard the front axle wheel hub nut.
- Tighten to 350 Nm (258 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 2: Locating Front Axle Wheel Hub Nut
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the tie-rod-to-wheel knuckle nut, then separate the tie-rod from the wheel knuckle.
- To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 3: Removing Tie-Rod-To-Wheel Knuckle Nut
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link-to-strut nut.
- To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 4: Removing Stabilizer Bar Link-To-Strut Nut
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the front brake disc. For additional information, refer to FRONT DISC BRAKE .
Detach the wheel speed sensor harness from the strut.
Remove the bolt and the wheel speed sensor from the wheel knuckle. Position the wheel speed sensor aside.
- To install, tighten to 14 Nm (10 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 5: Removing Wheel Speed Sensor From Wheel Knuckle
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stud from turning while removing the nut.

Using a crow's foot wrench, remove and discard the lower arm ball joint nut.
- To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 6: Removing Lower Arm Ball Joint Nut
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a pry bar, push the lower arm downward until the ball joint is clear of the lower arm.

Fig 7: Pushing Lower Arm Down Using Pry Bar
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
After separating the lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle, immediately install the special tool over the ball stud before releasing the lower arm and knuckle into the rest position.
- Leave the special tool in place during service and only remove prior to reassembly.
  
  Fig 8: Installing Special Tool
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not allow the halfshaft to move outboard. Overextension of the tripod CV joint can result in separation of internal parts, causing failure of the halfshaft.

Fig 9: Pressing Halfshaft From Wheel Bearing And Hub

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, press the halfshaft from the wheel bearing and hub. Support the halfshaft in a level position.
Remove and discard the 4 strut and spring assembly nuts.
Remove the wheel knuckle and the strut and spring as an assembly.
Remove and discard the wheel knuckle-to-strut and spring assembly nut and flagbolt.
- To install, tighten to 175 Nm (129 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 10: Removing Wheel Knuckle-To-Strut And Spring Assembly Nut And Flagbolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Separate the strut and spring assembly from the wheel knuckle.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.