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Home >> Ford >> 2012 >> Explorer Limited, 3.5 8, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Body & Frame >> Frames, Subframes & Crossmembers >> Body System - Uni-Body, SUBFRAME & Mounting System >> Removal And Installation >> Subframe - Rear >> Removal

Subframe - Rear: Removal

  1. Measure and record the vehicle ride height. REFER to RIDE HEIGHT MEASUREMENT .
  2. Remove the rear wheels. REFER to WHEEL AND TIRE .
  3. With a wax pencil, mark the relational alignment of the rear subframe to the underbody at the mounting locations.
  4. Remove the muffler and tail pipe. REFER to MUFFLER AND TAILPIPE - 2.0L GTDI, or 3.5L Ti-VCT.
  5. NOTE: If equipped, index-mark the driveshaft before disconnecting from the rear drive axle.

    If equipped, remove and discard the 6 driveshaft bolts and position the driveshaft aside.

  6. Remove and discard the 2 sway bar link upper nuts and reposition the sway bar.
  7. Using a suitable jackstand, support the lower control arm.
  8. Remove and discard the 2 rear shock absorber lower bolts.
    Fig 1: Locating Rear Shock Absorber Lower Bolt
    G08041855Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Remove the jackstand from the lower control arm.
  10. Disconnect the subframe assembly main electrical connector.
    Fig 2: Locating Main Subframe Electrical Connector
    G06071381Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Release the parking brake cable tension. REFER to PARKING BRAKE CABLE TENSION RELEASE .
  12. Disconnect the RH parking brake cable from the front parking brake cable and the frame cable bracket.
  13. Remove the rear parking brake cable bracket bolt and position the rear parking brake cable bracket aside.
    Fig 3: Locating Rear Park Brake Cable Bracket Bolt
    G06071382Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  14. NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.

    Remove the LH and RH wheel opening parking brake cable bracket bolts and position the wheel opening parking brake cable brackets aside.

    Fig 4: Locating Wheel Opening Park Brake Cable Bracket Bolt
    G06071383Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  15. Disconnect the parking brake cables from the brake calipers.
  16. Remove the 4 rear brake caliper bolts.
    Fig 5: Locating Rear Brake Caliper Mounting Bolts
    G06071384Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  17. NOTE: Do not allow the caliper to hang from the brake hose or damage to the hose can occur.
    NOTE: It is not necessary to disconnect the hydraulic brake lines.

    Remove the 2 rear brake calipers and position aside.

    • Support the 2 rear brake caliper using mechanic's wire.
  18. Remove and discard the 4 rear subframe assembly bracket bolts.
    Fig 6: Locating Rear Subframe Bracket Bolts
    G06071385Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  19. NOTE: When positioning the lifting table, be sure to support the rear subframe assembly on the subframe rails. Do not lift on the rear differential or rear lower control arms, damage may occur.

    Position 300-OTC1585AE  under the subframe assembly.

  20. Remove and discard the 2 rear subframe assembly forward bolts and remove the 2 rear subframe assembly brackets.
    Fig 7: View Of Rear Subframe Bracket Bolt
    G06071386Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  21. Remove and discard the 2 rear subframe assembly rearward bolts.
    Fig 8: Locating Rear Subframe Assembly Bracket Rearward Bolt
    G06286272Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  22. Lower the rear subframe assembly from the vehicle.
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