Subframe - Front: Removal

NOTE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified.

NOTE: Use a steering wheel holding device (such as Hunter® 28-75-1 or equivalent).

Using a suitable holding device, hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.

Fig 1: Holding Steering Wheel In Straight-Ahead Position
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the wheels and tires. REFER to WHEEL AND TIRE .
Vehicles equipped with 3.5L, remove the 3 retainers and the underbody air duct.

Fig 2: Locating Underbody Air Duct Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Vehicles equipped with 2.0L GTDI, remove the 4 retainers and the underbody shield.

Fig 3: Location Of Underbody Shield Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.

Remove the 2 RH and 2 LH lower pin-type retainers from the engine splash shields and position the shields aside.

Fig 4: Locating Engine Splash Shields Lower Pin-Type Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Vehicles equipped with a 3.5L, remove the engine exhaust Y-pipe. REFER to EXHAUST Y-PIPE .
Remove and discard the 4 stabilizer bar bracket-to-front subframe bolts.
NOTE: The hex-holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while removing the outer tie-rod end nuts.

NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.

Remove and discard both outer tie-rod end nuts.
- Separate both outer tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckles.
Fig 5: Locating Tie-Rod End And Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Use care when releasing the lower arm and knuckle into the resting position or damage to the ball joint seal or CV boot may occur.

NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stud from turning while removing the lower ball joint nuts.

NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.

Remove and discard both lower ball joint nuts.
- Separate both lower ball joints from the wheel knuckles.
Fig 6: View Of Ball Joint Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the flap heat shield bolt and position the flap heat shield to access the EPAS electrical connectors.
Remove the bolt and disconnect the 2 EPAS electrical connectors and the wiring retainer.

Fig 7: View Of Heat Shield Bolt And Electronic Power Assist Steering Electrical Connectors
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Do not allow the steering column to rotate while the steering column shaft is disconnected from the steering gear or damage to the clockspring may occur. If there is evidence that the steering column has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. REFER to CLOCKSPRING .

Remove and discard the steering column shaft bolt and disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear.

Fig 8: Locating Steering Column Shaft Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: FWD shown, AWD Similar.

Remove the roll restrictor-to-subframe bolt.

Fig 9: Locating Roll Restrictor-To-Subframe Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Unlatch the cooler hose retainer latch. Pry up on the oil cooler hose retainer to release the retainer and remove it from the subframe.

Fig 10: Releasing Oil Cooler Hose Retainer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a wax pencil (or equivalent) apply witness marks to the vehicle and subframe to aid in installation.
Position the 300-OTC1585AE under the subframe assembly.

Fig 11: Positioning Jack Under Subframe Assembly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.

Remove and discard the 4 front subframe bracket bolts.

Fig 12: Locating Front Subframe Bracket Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.

Remove and discard the 2 front subframe rearward bolts and remove the front subframe brackets.

Fig 13: Locating Front Subframe Bracket And Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: RH shown, LH similar.

Remove and discard the 2 front subframe forward bolts.

Fig 14: Locating Front Subframe Forward Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Lower the front subframe assembly from the vehicle.