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Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Lincoln MKX and 2010 Ford Edge. 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 of correct retention of these parts.
NOTE: If replacing only the stabilizer bar bushings, proceed to Step  23 of this procedure.

All vehicles 

    NOTE: Do not allow the steering column to rotate while the steering column shaft is disconnected, or damage to the clockspring may occur. If there is evidence that the steering column has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For additional information, refer to CLOCKSPRING .
    NOTE: Use a steering wheel holding device (such as Hunter® 28-75-1 or equivalent).
    Fig 1: Identifying Steering Wheel Holding Device
    G06063988Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  1. Using a suitable holding device, hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.
  2. Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
  3. Remove the steering column shaft bolt and disconnect the shaft from the steering gear.
    • To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
  4. Index-mark the relationship of the front subframe to the underbody at the mounting locations.
  5. Remove the 4 pin-type retainers and the RH fender splash shield.
    Fig 2: Locating Pin-Type Retainers On RH Fender Splash Shield
    G06500618Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Remove the 3 pushpin fasteners, the 7 screws and the front splash shield.
    Fig 3: Locating Pushpin Fasteners And Screws On Front Splash Shield
    G06500619Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Remove the 3 RH front lower bumper-to-subframe nuts.
    • To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
  8. Remove the 3 LH front lower bumper-to-subframe nuts and separate the lower bumper from the subframe.
    • To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
  9. Remove the power steering fluid cooler hose bracket bolt.
    • To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
  10. Loosen the muffler clamp and disconnect the 2 exhaust hangers.
    • To install, tighten to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft).
  11. Remove the 2 nuts and separate the flex pipe from the Y-pipe assembly.
    • To install, tighten to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft).

    All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles 

  12. Index-mark the driveshaft, remove the 4 bolts and position the driveshaft aside.
    • To install, tighten to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).

    All vehicles 

    13. NOTE: Use the holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the stabilizer bar link nuts.
  13. Remove the stabilizer link upper and lower nuts and the stabilizer links.
    • Discard the nuts.
    • To install, tighten the new nuts to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
  14. Remove the 2 outer tie-rod end nuts.
    • To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
  15. Using the Tie-Rod End Remover, separate the outer tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckles.
    Fig 4: Separating Outer Tie-Rod Ends From Wheel Knuckles Using Tie-Rod End Remover
    G06269423Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    16. NOTE: RH shown in illustration, LH similar.
  16. Remove the 2 lower ball joint bolts and nuts and separate the lower ball joints from the wheel knuckles.
    • Discard the bolts and nuts.
    • To install, tighten the new nuts to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
  17. Remove the upper nut, loosen the lower nut and remove the engine roll restrictor heat shield.
    • To install, tighten to 11 Nm (97 lb-in).
  18. Remove the engine roll restrictor-to-subframe bolt.
    • To install, tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
  19. Using a suitable jack, support the subframe.
    • Support the subframe in the center rear area of the subframe.
    20. NOTE: During installation, the subframe brackets are loosely installed with the support bracket bolts. Align the index marks made in Step  2, then tighten the rear subframe nuts prior to tightening the support bracket bolts.
  20. Remove the 2 nuts, 4 bolts and the subframe support brackets.
    • Discard the nuts and bolts.
    • To install, tighten the new nuts to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).
    • To install, tighten the new bolts to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
  21. Remove and discard the 4 subframe nuts.
    • To install, tighten the new nuts to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).
  22. Using the jack, lower the subframe approximately 76.2 mm (3 in).
  23. Remove the 4 bolts, 2 stabilizer bar brackets and bushings.
    • Discard the bolts.
    • To install, tighten the new bolts to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).
  24. Remove the stabilizer bar.
  25. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
  26. Check and, if necessary, align the front end. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
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