Front Subframe: Service and Repair

SUBFRAME - FRONT

Special Tool(s):

Removal and Installation

NOTE: Escape All-Wheel Drive (AWD) shown, all other vehicles similar.

Escape All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Shown, All Other Vehicles Similar:

NOTE: Escape and Mariner only.

Escape And Mariner Only:

NOTE: Escape and Hybrid only.

Escape Hybrid Only:

All vehicles

NOTICE:
Suspension and subframe fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital parts and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. Do not use a replacement 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.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
2. Turn the wheels to the straight ahead position and remove the key.

Hybrid vehicles
3. Disconnect the high-voltage traction battery. For additional information, refer to Hybrid Drive Systems.
4. Remove the rear transmission insulator and retainer.

All vehicles
5. Remove the front tires.

6. NOTICE:
- Do not reuse the Constant Velocity (CV) joint bolts and washers. Install new bolts and washers or damage to the vehicle may occur.
- Do not reuse the bolts and cap straps for the center U-joint. Install new bolts and cap straps or damage to the vehicle may occur.

NOTE: Index-mark the front driveshaft to the center bearing.

Remove the front driveshaft, if equipped.
- Remove the 6 front driveshaft-to-transfer case bolts and washers. Discard the bolts and washers.
- To install, tighten to 37 Nm (27 lb-ft).

- Remove the 4 U-joint cap strap bolts and 2 cap straps and remove the front driveshaft. Discard the U-joint cap strap bolts and cap straps.
- To install, tighten to 23 Nm (17 lb-ft).

7. Remove the 4 bolts (2 each side) and the lateral support crossmember.
- To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).







8. Remove the exhaust flexible pipe (2.3L) or the dual converter Y-pipe (3.0L).
9. Remove the 6 bolts and the scrivet from the LH splash shield and remove the splash shield.







10. Remove the engine support crossmember front insulator bolt.
- To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).







11. Remove the 2 engine support crossmember bolts.
- To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).







Hybrid vehicles only
12. Remove the 2 bolts from the lower transmission insulator and retainer bracket.







All vehicles
13. Remove the nut and the engine support crossmember. Discard the nut.
- To install, tighten to 175 Nm (129 lb-ft).







All vehicles except hybrid
14. Remove the rear transaxle support isolator through bolt.
- To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).







All vehicles
15. Remove the power steering coupler bolt. Discard the bolt.
- To install, tighten to 63Nm (46 lb-ft).

16. Remove the 2 outer tie-rod end nuts. Discard the nuts.
- To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).

17. Using the Tie-Rod End Remover, separate the tie rod from the wheel knuckle.







18. NOTE: Use the hex-holding fixture to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing and installing the stabilizer link nut.

Remove the 2 lower stabilizer bar link nuts. Discard the nuts.
- To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).

19. Remove the 2 lower control arm ball joint pinch bolt nuts and pinch bolts. Discard the nuts and the bolts.
- To install, tighten to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).

20. Using a suitable lift, support the front subframe.

21. NOTE:
- Do not allow the front subframe rear bolts to come out of the lower control arm bushing.
- When installing the front subframe rear bolts, make sure both of the front subframe rear bolts are fully engaged in their cage nuts before tightening to specification.

Loosen the 2 front subframe rear bolts.
- To install, tighten to 175 Nm (129 lb-ft).

22. Remove the 2 front subframe nuts.
- To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).

23. NOTE: The lower control arm ball joints must be disconnected from the spindles at the same time the subframe is lowered.

With an assistant, remove the front subframe.

24. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Transfer the components as necessary.