Front Stabilizer Bar: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford Focus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

NOTE: Disconnect the battery ground cable anytime the steering gear is being serviced or damage to the steering gear internal power relay may occur resulting in steering gear replacement.

Disconnect the battery ground cable. Refer to: Battery Disconnect and Connect .
Steering wheel in straight ahead position.

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WARNING: Do not reuse steering column shaft bolts. This may result in fastener failure and steering column shaft detachment or loss of steering control. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).

Remove and discard the steering column shaft bolt and disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear.

Torque

: 21 lb.ft (28 Nm)

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Remove the wheel and tire. Refer to: Wheel and Tire .
If equipped. Remove the retainers and the underbody shield.

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If equipped. On both sides. Remove the load path-to-front subframe bolts.
Torque

: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

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If equipped. Remove the bolts, detach the retainers and remove the underbody shield.

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NOTE: The stabilizer bar links are designed with low friction ball joints that have a low breakaway torque.

NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the stabilizer bar link nut.

On both sides. Remove and discard the front stabilizer bar link lower nuts and position aside the front stabilizer bar links.

Torque

: 46 lb.ft (63 Nm)

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NOTE: Do not use a hammer to separate the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle may result.

NOTE: Use care when installing the tie rod separator or damage to the outer tie-rod end boot may occur.

On both sides. Remove and discard the tie rod end nut and separate the tie rod end from the wheel knuckle. Use the General Equipment: Tie Rod End Remover

Torque

: 35 lb.ft (48 Nm)

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NOTE: Do not excessively bend or twist the exhaust flexible pipe. Failure to follow these instructions may cause damage to the exhaust flexible pipe.

Support the exhaust flexible pipe.

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Remove the bolts and position aside the exhaust pipe hanger assembly.
Torque

: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

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Remove the engine roll restrictor bolt.
Torque

: 63 lb.ft (86 Nm)

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Detach the retainers and position aside the EPAS wiring harness.

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NOTE: Index mark the subframe positioning for reference during the installation procedure.

Support the front subframe assembly. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

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1. Remove the bracket bolts.
  Torque
  
  : 35 lb.ft (47 Nm)
2. Remove the bracket to front subframe bolts.
  Torque
  
  : 46 lb.ft (62 Nm)
3. Remove and discard the rearward subframe bolts.
  Torque
  
  :Stage 1: 103 lb.ft (140 Nm) Stage 2: 180°
4. Remove the forward subframe bolts.
  Torque
  
  : 85 lb.ft (115 Nm)
5. Lower the front subframe assembly from the vehicle.
  Dimension
  
  : 4in (100mm)
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Remove and discard the stabilizer bar bracket nuts and position aside the stabilizer bar.
Torque

:Stage 1: 85 lb.ft (115 Nm) Stage 2: 90°

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NOTE: If replacing the stabilizer bar or stabilizer bar bushings, note the position of the stabilizer bar bushing brackets. The protrusion on both bushings must be facing the RH side of the vehicle for correct installation.

Lower the front subframe assembly and remove the front stabilizer bar. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

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