Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Mustang. 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: The upper arm is a 2-piece design and is replaced as an assembly. Do not remove or loosen the nut and bolt that joins the 2 pieces together. The assembly is set at ride height during production, loosening the nut and bolt will disturb this setting.

If equipped, remove the rear support braces. For additional information, refer to UNI-BODY, SUBFRAME AND MOUNTING SYSTEM .
Remove the rear seat cushion. For additional information, refer to SEATING .
Remove and discard the upper arm bracket forward bolt.
- To install, tighten the new bolt to 440 Nm (325 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 1: Locating Upper Arm Bracket Forward Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
To aid in installation, mark the rear shock absorber relative to the protective sleeve with the vehicle in a static, level ground position (curb height).

Fig 2: Locating Mark On Rear Shock Absorber
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Place a safety support under the fuel tank.

Fig 3: Locating Safety Support Under Fuel Tank
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 fuel tank strap bolts from the 2 fuel tank straps and position the straps aside.
- To install, tighten to 52 Nm (38 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 4: Locating Fuel Tank Strap Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Partially lower the fuel tank to gain access to the upper control arm.
Remove and discard the 2 upper arm bracket rearward bolts.
- To install, tighten the new bolts to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
Remove and discard the upper arm-to-upper arm bushing nut and bolt.
- To install, tighten the new nut to 175 Nm (129 lb-ft).
Remove the upper arm assembly.
Raise the rear axle so the mark made in Step 4 lines up with the protective sleeve.

Fig 5: Locating Mark On Rear Axle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Tighten the upper arm fasteners while the suspension is at curb height or bushing damage and incorrect clamp load may occur.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.