Removal and Installation

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.

Measure the distance from the center of the wheel hub to the lip of the fender with the vehicle in a level, static ground position (curb height).

Fig 1: Measuring Distance From Center Of Wheel Hub To Lip Of Fender
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
Use a jackstand to raise the rear suspension until the distance between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to the measurement taken in Step 1 of the procedure (curb height).
Remove and discard the toe link-to-wheel knuckle nut.
- To install, tighten the new nut to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
Remove and discard the toe link-to-subframe bolt.
- To install, tighten the new bolt to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Check and, if necessary, adjust the rear toe. For additional information, refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .