Subframe - Front: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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.

Using the 300-OTC1585AE, raise and align the subframe assembly to the witness marks made during removal.
NOTE: RH shown in illustration, LH similar.

Install the 2 new front subframe forward bolts.
- Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 1: Locating Front Subframe Forward Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: RH shown in illustration, LH similar.

Position the front subframe brackets and install the 4 new front subframe bracket bolts finger-tight.
NOTE: RH shown in illustration, LH similar.

Install the 2 new front subframe rearward bolts.
- Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
NOTE: RH shown in illustration, LH similar.

Tighten the 4 new front subframe bracket bolts.
- Tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 2: Locating Front Subframe Forward Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If equipped, install the 3 PTU cooler line mounting bracket bolts.
- Tighten to, 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
If equipped, install the cooler hose retainer on the subframe.

Fig 3: Locating Cooler Hose Retainer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If equipped, install the roll restrictor-to-subframe bolt.
- Tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
NOTE: FWD shown in illustration, AWD similar.

If equipped, install the rear roll restrictor-to-subframe bolt.
- Tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
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 .

Install the steering intermediate shaft onto the steering gear and install a new bolt.
- Tighten to 20 Nm (177 lb-in).
  
  Fig 4: Locating Steering Intermediate Shaft
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Position the harness and clip the EPAS harness pushpins.
Connect the 2 EPAS electrical connectors.
Install the bolts.

Tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If equipped, position the flap heat shield and install the flap heat shield bolt.
- Tighten to 11 Nm (97 lb-in).
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: RH shown in illustration, LH similar.

Position both ball joints into the wheel knuckles. Install 2 new ball joint nuts.
- Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 5: Locating Ball Joint Nuts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: The hex-holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while installing the outer tie-rod nuts.

NOTE: RH shown in illustration, LH similar.

Position both outer tie-rod ends to the wheel knuckles and install 2 new outer tie-rod end nuts.
- Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 6: Locating Outer Tie-Rod End Nuts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the 4 new stabilizer bar bracket-to-front subframe bolts.
- Tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
Vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ti-VCT or 3.7L Ti-VCT engine, install the engine exhaust Y-pipe. Refer to EXHAUST Y-PIPE -- 3.5L TI-VCT , or EXHAUST Y-PIPE -- 3.7L TI-VCT .
Vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engine, install the RH and LH exhaust flexible pipes. Refer to EXHAUST FLEXIBLE PIPE -- LH, 3.5L GTDI , and EXHAUST FLEXIBLE PIPE -- RH, 3.5L GTDI .
NOTE: RH shown in illustration, LH similar.

Position the RH and LH engine splash shields and install the 4 lower pin-type retainers.
If equipped, install the underbody shield and the 4 retainers.
If equipped, install the underbody air duct and the 3 retainers.
Install the wheels and tires. REFER to WHEEL AND TIRE .