Front Subframe: Service and Repair

Subframe - Front













Removal and Installation

All vehicles

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.

2. NOTE: MKZ shown, all other vehicles similar.

Remove the bolts and the underbody shield, if equipped.

- To install, tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).





Vehicles with 3.0L

3. Remove the exhaust flexible pipe.

4. Remove the 2 bolts and the heat shield.

All vehicles

5. Remove the bolt from the engine roll restrictor.
- To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).





6. Remove the 4 screws and position the RH fender splash shield aside.





7. Remove the 6 pin-type retainers and the RH front structure-to-subframe splash shield.





8. Remove the 4 screws and position the LH fender splash shield aside.





9. Remove the 6 pin-type retainers and the LH front structure-to-subframe splash shield.





10. Remove the 3 power steering return line bolts.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).





Vehicles with 2.3L

11. Remove the power steering pressure line bracket bolt.
- To install, tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).





All vehicles

12. Remove the 3 steering gear mounting bolts.
- To install, tighten to 107 Nm (79 lb-ft).





13. NOTE: The steering gear is not removed with the front subframe and must be positioned aside.

Position the steering gear aside using mechanic's wire.

14. Remove the 2 (one each side) lower stabilizer bar link nuts and separate from the stabilizer bar.
- To install, tighten to 42 Nm (31 lb-ft).





15. Remove the RH and LH lower ball joint nuts.
- To install, tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).





16. NOTICE: When the lower ball joint is separated from the wheel knuckle, the lower arm may strike the outer constant velocity (CV) joint boot with enough force to damage the boot clamp. This will result in a loss of grease from the outer CV joint. Place a block of wood, or similar item, between the lower arm and the outer CV joint to prevent the lower arm from striking the outer CV joint.

NOTE: Once pressure is applied to the ball joint with the Ball Joint Separator and the Adapter, it may be necessary to tap the wheel knuckle at the ball joint area to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle.

Using the Ball Joint Separator and the Adapter, separate the RH and LH ball joints.





17. Remove the lower control arm-to-strut through bolts and flagnuts.
- To install, tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).





18. Position the Powertrain Lift Table under the subframe.





19. Remove the 2 rear mounting nuts and washers from the front subframe.
- To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).





20. Remove the 4 bolts and the 2 subframe support brackets.
- To install, tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).





21. Remove the 2 front mounting nuts and washers from the front subframe.
- To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).





22. Lower the subframe from the vehicle.
- To install, reverse the removal procedure.