Upper Arm: 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: Before tightening the shock absorber lower bolts and upper arm nut and bolts, use a jackstand to raise the rear suspension until the distance between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to the measurement taken in the Removal procedure (curb height).

If removed, install the upper arm bushing onto the upper arm in the following sequence.
1. With the upper arm positioned so the top side is facing up and the upper arm bushing is positioned with the TOP OF PART facing up and the ARM TO THIS SIDE arrow is pointing toward the upper arm. Install the upper arm bushing.
2. Install a new upper arm rearward bushing bolt.
  - Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
    
    Fig 1: Locating Upper Arm And Bushing
    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the upper arm and loosely install the new upper arm-to-subframe forward bolt and nut.
Raise the subframe and install 2 new subframe rearward bolts.
- Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
Position the 2 subframe brackets and install 4 new subframe bracket bolts.
- Tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
Install 2 new subframe forward bolts.
- Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
Loosely install new LH and RH shock absorber lower bolts.
NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stabilizer bar link stud from turning while installing the nut.

Connect the LH and RH stabilizer bar links to the stabilizer bar and install the new nuts.
- Tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
Loosely install 2 new upper arm-to-subframe rearward bolts.
Loosely install a new upper arm-to-knuckle bolt and nut.
Position the LH and RH brake caliper and anchor plate assemblies and install the 4 anchor plate bolts.
- Tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
Install LH and RH parking brake cable bracket bolts.
- Tighten to 15 Nm (133 lb-in).
Using the screw-type jackstand, raise the rear suspension until the distance between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to the measurement taken in the removal procedure (curb height).
Tighten the upper arm-to-subframe forward bolt.
- Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
Tighten the new LH and RH shock absorber lower bolts.
- Tighten to 175 Nm (129 lb-ft).
Tighten the 2 upper arm-to-subframe rearward bolts.
- Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
NOTE: A slotted upper arm allows for the rear suspension camber to be adjusted by pushing inward or pulling outward on the wheel knuckle while tightening the upper arm-to-wheel knuckle nut.

With the wheel knuckle pushed inward for maximum negative camber, tighten the upper arm-to-wheel knuckle nut.
- Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
Remove the 2 jackstands.
Install the rear wheels and tires. REFER to WHEEL AND TIRE .
Check and, if necessary, adjust the rear camber. REFER to CAMBER ADJUSTMENT - REAR .