FixVault

Front Subframe: Removal

  1. 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 .

  2. Steering wheel in straight ahead position.
    GFD217265Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  3. 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 bolt and detach the steering column shaft from steering input shaft.

    GFD214100Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  4. Remove the wheel. Refer to: Wheel and Tire .
  5. If equipped, remove the retainers and the underbody shield.
    GFD214089Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  6. If equipped. On both sides, remove the front crossmember to subframe bolts.
    GFD217260Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  7. 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 stabilizer bar link nut and separate the stabilizer bar link from stabilizer bar.

    GFD217266Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  8. 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

    GFD217263Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  9. 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 lower arm ball joint bolt and separate the lower arm ball joint from wheel knuckle.

    GFD214083Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  10. NOTE: Do not excessively bend or twist the exhaust flexible pipe. Failure to follow these instructions may cause damage to the exhaust flexible pipe.

    Install the exhaust flexible pipe support.

    GFD214103Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  11. Remove the bolts and position the muffler inlet pipe aside.
    GFD214104Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  12. Remove the roll restrictor through bolt.
    GFD217256Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  13. Detach the wiring harness retainers and position the wiring harness aside.
    GFD217267Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  14. NOTE: Index mark the subframe positioning for reference during the installation procedure.

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

    GFD214107Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    1. Using the transmission jack, support the subframe. Remove the front crossmember to front suspension side member bracket bolts.
    2. Remove the front suspension side member bracket bolts.
    3. Remove and discard the front suspension side member bracket to subframe bolts and remove the front suspension side member bracket.
    4. Remove the subframe to body bolts.
    5. Using the transmission jack, lower the subframe 100 mm.
    GFD214108Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    • Remove the bolts, heat shield and position the ground cable aside.
    GFD217253Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  15. Disconnect the EPAS electrical connector and detach the wiring harness retainers.
    GFD217268Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  16. Using the transmission jack, lower the subframe. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack
GFD217264Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY