Front Subframe: 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: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

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

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
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 coupler bolt and separate the coupler from the steering shaft.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Remove the wheels and tires. Refer to: Wheel and Tire .
If equipped. Remove the retainers and the underbody shield.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Vehicles with load path bars
On both sides. Remove the load path bar retainers.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

All vehicles
If equipped. Remove the front air deflectors.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
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)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
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.

Torque

: 35 lb.ft (48 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
NOTE: Do not use a prying device to open the slot in the knuckle to separate the lower ball joint from the knuckle assembly. Damage to the knuckle assembly may occur.

NOTE: Do not use a prying device or separator fork between the ball joint and the wheel knuckle. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may result. Only use the pry bar by inserting it into the lower arm body opening.

NOTE: Use care when releasing the lower arm and wheel knuckle into the resting position or damage to the ball joint seal may occur.

On both sides. Remove and discard the ball joint pinch bolt and nut and separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle.

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

Secure the exhaust flexible pipe.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Remove the exhaust support bracket bolts.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Remove the roll restrictor bolt.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Unclip the EPAS gear wire harness retainers.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
NOTE: Index mark the subframe positioning for reference during the installation procedure.

Position a transmission jack under the front subframe. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
1. Remove the bracket bolts.
2. Remove the bracket to front subframe bolts.
3. Remove and discard the rearward subframe bolts.
4. Remove the forward subframe bolts.
5. Lower the subframe approximately 100 mm. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
If equipped. Remove the EPAS gear heat shield retainers, position aside the ground strap and remove the heat shield.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Disconnect the EPAS gear electrical connectors and unclip the harness retainers and position the harness aside.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
NOTE: Make sure that no components catch.

Lower the subframe. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY