Removal And Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is 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 correct retention of these parts.

Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES article.
Remove and discard the lower ball joint nut and separate the lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
- To install, tighten the new nut to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).

NOTE: Tighten the lower arm inner bolt with the weight of the vehicle on the wheels and tires.

Remove the lower arm inner bolt and the lower arm.
- Discard the bolt.
- To install, tighten the new bolt to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
To install, reverse the removal procedure.