Front Suspension

2012 Lincoln MKS AWD V6-3.5L TurboSECTION Front Suspension



Stabilizer Bar

Removal and Installation

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is 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.

NOTE: Make sure the steering wheel is in the unlocked position.

NOTE: The stabilizer bushing and bracket are part of the stabilizer bar assembly. The stabilizer bar will not turn easily in the bushing.

All vehicles

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

2. Remove the wheel and tire.

3. Disconnect the Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) electrical connector and unclip the connector from the subframe.





All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles

4. Remove the exhaust Y-pipe.

All vehicles

5. NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove the stabilizer bar link nut. Damage to the stabilizer link ball joint or boot may occur.

NOTE: To remove the stabilizer bar link nut, first loosen the nut, then use the hex-holding feature to prevent the ball joint from turning while removing the stabilizer bar link nut.

Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link lower nuts.
- To install, tighten the new nuts to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).


6. NOTE: No special tools are necessary to separate the tie rod from the front knuckle; use a mallet to loosen the joint.
Remove and discard both tie-rod end nuts and separate the tie-rod ends from the knuckles.

- To install, tighten the new nuts to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).


7. NOTE: Install the new lower arm rearward bolts from the bottom of the lower arm bushing with the nuts on top.
Remove and discard the 4 lower arm rearward nuts and bolts.

- To install, tighten the new bolts to 99 Nm (73 lb-ft).


8. Remove and discard the 2 lower arm forward bolts.
Position both lower arms aside.
- To install, tighten the new bolts to 185 Nm (136 lb-ft).


9. Using a suitable screw-type jackstand, support the rear of the subframe.

10. Remove the 2 steering gear nuts and bolts.
- Vehicles with Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS)
- To install, tighten the nuts to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft).

- Vehicles with Hydraulic Power Assist Steering (HPAS)
- To install, tighten the new nuts to 117 Nm (86 lb-ft).

11. Remove and discard the 4 subframe bracket bolts.
- To install, tighten the new bolts to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).


12. Remove and discard the subframe forward bolts.
- To install, tighten the new bolts to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).


13. Remove and discard the subframe rearward bolts.
- Vehicles with EPAS (Electronic Power Assist Steering)
- To install, tighten the new bolts to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).

- Vehicle with HPAS (Hydraulic Power Assist Steering)
- To install, tighten the new bolts to 175 Nm (130 lb-ft).






14. Lower the rear of the subframe approximately 51 mm (2 in).





15. Remove and discard the LH and RH stabilizer bar bracket bolts.
- To install, tighten the new bolts to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).


16. Remove the stabilizer bar by guiding it between the subframe and the steering gear toward the RH side of the vehicle.

17. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.