Front Stabilizer Bar: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Ford Transit Connect. 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.

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.

NOTE: Make sure that the steering wheel lock is engaged.

NOTE: Make sure that the road wheels are in the straight ahead position.

Keep the steering wheel in straight ahead position.

GFD148188

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3.

NOTE: 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).

NOTE: Make sure a new bolt is installed.

Remove and discard the bolt and disconnect the upper steering column shaft.

Torque: 21 lb.ft (28 Nm)

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4.

Remove the wheel and tire. Refer to: Wheel And Tire .

5.

If equipped, remove the retainers and the underbody shield.

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6.

On both sides. Remove the subframe forward bolts from both sides.
Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

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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 side. Remove and discard the from stabilizer bar link lower nuts and position aside the front stabilizer bar links.

Torque: 35 lb.ft (48 Nm)

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8.

NOTE: Do not use a hammer to separate the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel 8. 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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9.

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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10.

Remove the bolts and position aside the exhaust pipe assembly.
Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

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11.

Remove the bolt.
Torque: 63 lb.ft (86 Nm)

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12.

Detach the retainers and disconnect the EPAS wiring harness.

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13.

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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14.

Remove the following items:
1. Remove and discard the bolts.
  Torque: 177 lb.in (20 Nm)
2. Remove and discard the bolts.
  Torque: 177 lb.in (20 Nm)
3. Remove and discard the bolts.
  Torque:
  
  Stage 1: 103 lb.ft (140 Nm)
  
  Stage 2: 180 °
4. Remove and discard the bolts and remove the front subframe bracket.
  Torque: 85 lb.ft (115 Nm)
5. Lower the front subframe assembly from the vehicle.

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15.

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 °

GFD148198

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

16.

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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17.

NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

Remove the front stabilizer bar bushing. Refer to: Front Stabilizer Bar Bushing .