Front Subframe - Remove for Access

For information on Ford Color Coded Illustrations refer to OEM Color Coding .

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Tie Rod End Remover
Steering Wheel Holder
Transmission Jack

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. Use the General Equipment: Steering Wheel Holder

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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 coupler bolt.

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Remove the wheels and tires. Refer to: Wheel and Tire .
If equipped, remove the retainers and the underbody shield.

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On both sides. Remove the load path bar retainers.

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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 stabilizer bar link lower nut and position the stabilizer links aside.

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NOTE: Make sure that the ball joint ball does not rotate.

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 removing 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

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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.

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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.

Secure the exhaust flexible pipe.

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Remove the exhaust support bracket bolts.

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Remove the roll restrictor bolt.

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Unclip the EPAS gear wire harness retainers.

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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

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

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Disconnect the 2 EPAS gear electrical connectors and unclip the 5 harness retainers and position the harness aside.

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NOTE: Make sure that no components catch.

Lower the subframe. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

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