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Home >> Ford >> 2012 >> Explorer Base, 3.5 8, AWD, 6F50 >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 293 (Body System - Uni-Body, SUBFRAME & Mounting System) >> Removal And Installation >> Subframe - Front >> Removal

Subframe - Front: Removal

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.
  1. 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.

    G09091819
  2. Remove the wheels and tires. REFER to WHEEL AND TIRE .
  3. If equipped, remove the 3 retainers and the underbody air duct.
    G09091820
  4. If equipped, remove the 4 retainers and the underbody shield.
    G09091821
  5. NOTE: Right Hand (RH) shown in illustration, Left Hand (LH) similar.

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

    G09091822
  6. Vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ti-VCT or 3.7L Ti-VCT engine, remove 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, remove the RH  and LH  exhaust flexible pipes. Refer to EXHAUST FLEXIBLE PIPE -- LH, 3.5L GTDI , and EXHAUST FLEXIBLE PIPE -- RH, 3.5L GTDI .

  7. Remove and discard the 4 stabilizer bar bracket-to-front subframe bolts.
  8. 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 in illustration, LH  similar.

    Remove and discard both outer tie-rod end nuts.

    • Separate both outer tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckles.
      Fig 1: Locating Tie-Rod End Nuts
      G09091823Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. NOTE: Use care when releasing the lower arm and knuckle into the resting position or damage to the ball joint seal or Constant Velocity (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 in illustration, LH  similar.

    Remove and discard both lower ball joint nuts.

    • Separate both lower ball joints from the wheel knuckles.
      Fig 2: Locating Lower Ball Joint Nuts
      G09091824Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. If equipped, remove the flap heat shield bolt and position the flap heat shield to access the Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) electrical connectors.
    G00671333Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    1. Remove the bolt.
    2. Disconnect the 2 EPAS  electrical connectors.
    3. Unclip the EPAS  harness pushpins and position the harness aside.
    G00671337Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  12. 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 3: Locating Steering Column Shaft Bolt
    G09091826Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  13. NOTE: Front Wheel Drive (FWD) shown in illustration, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Similar.

    Remove the rear roll restrictor-to-subframe bolt.

    G09091827
  14. If equipped, remove the roll restrictor-to-subframe bolt.
    G09091828
  15. If equipped, 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 4: Prying Up Oil Cooler Hose Retainer
    G09091829Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  16. If equipped, remove the 3 PTU  cooler line mounting bracket bolts.
    G09091830
  17. Using a wax pencil (or equivalent) apply witness marks to the vehicle and subframe to aid in installation.
  18. Position the 300-OTC1585AE under the subframe assembly.
    G09091831
  19. NOTE: RH  shown in illustration, LH  similar.

    Remove and discard the 4 front subframe bracket bolts.

    G08029112
  20. NOTE: RH  shown in illustration, LH  similar.

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

    G08029113
  21. NOTE: RH  shown in illustration, LH  similar.

    Remove and discard the 2 front subframe forward bolts.

    Fig 5: Locating Front Subframe Forward Bolts
    G06251604Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  22. Lower the front subframe assembly from the vehicle.
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