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Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Montego, 2006 Ford Freestyle, and 2006 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING: All vehicles are equipped with gas-pressurized front shock absorbers which will extend unassisted. Do not apply heat or flame to the front shock absorber during removal or disassembly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation is necessary. Do not use a new 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: Turn the ignition switch to the UNLOCKED position.
  1. Loosen the strut upper mount nuts.
    • Tighten to 30 N.m (22 lb-ft).
  2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
  3. Remove and discard the wheel hub nut.
    • Tighten to 350 N.m (258 lb-ft).
  4. Remove the brake disc. For additional information, refer to REMOVAL .
  5. Remove the tie-rod end nut, then separate the tie rod from the wheel knuckle.
    • To install, tighten to 115 N.m (85 lb-ft).
  6. Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link-to-strut nut.
    • To install, tighten to 55 N.m (41 lb-ft).
    Fig 1: Removing Stabilizer Bar Link-To-Strut Nut
    G04655288Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Detach the wheel speed sensor harness from the strut.
  8. Remove the bolt and the wheel speed sensor from the wheel knuckle. Position the wheel speed sensor aside.
    • To install, tighten to 14 N.m (10 lb-ft).
    Fig 2: Removing Wheel Speed Sensor Bolt
    G04655289Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    9. NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stud from turning while removing the nut.
  9. Using a crow's foot wrench, remove and discard the lower ball joint nut.
    • To install, tighten to 115 N.m (85 lb-ft).
  10. Using a pry bar, push the lower arm downward until the ball joint is clear of the lower arm.
    Fig 3: Pushing Lower Arm Down Using Pry Bar
    G03954155Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. After separating the lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle, immediately install the special tool over the ball stud before releasing the lower arm and knuckle into the rest position.
    • Leave the special tool in place during service and only remove prior to reassembly.
    Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool
    G04655291Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    12. CAUTION: Do not allow the halfshaft to move outboard. Overextension of the tripod CV joint can result in separation of internal parts, causing failure of the halfshaft.
    Fig 5: Identifying Special Tool For Wheel Bearing & Hub
    G04655292Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  12. Using the special tool, press the halfshaft from the wheel bearing and hub. Support the halfshaft in a level position.
  13. Remove and discard the 4 strut upper mount nuts.
  14. Remove the wheel knuckle and the strut and spring as an assembly.
  15. Remove and discard the strut-to-wheel knuckle nut and flagbolt.
    • To install, tighten to 175 N.m (129 lb-ft).
    Fig 6: Removing Strut-To-Wheel Knuckle Nut & Flagbolt
    G04655293Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  16. Separate the strut and spring assembly from the wheel knuckle.
  17. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
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