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Home >> Ford >> 2023 >> Escape ST-Line Select >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1399 (Uni-Body, SUBFRAME And Mounting System) >> Removal And Installation >> Front Subframe >> Removal

Front Subframe: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  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. Steering wheel in straight ahead position.
    GFD748336Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  3. WARNING: 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).

    Remove and discard the steering column shaft coupler bolt and separate the coupler from the steering shaft.

    GFD748337Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  4. Remove the wheels and tires. Refer to: Wheel and Tire .
  5. If equippedRemove the fasteners and the underbody shields.
    GFD748338Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  6. If equippedRemove the fasteners and the underbody shields.
    GFD748339Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  7. Remove the retainers and the underbody shields.
    GFD748340Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  8. Remove the retainers and the underbody shields.
    GFD748341Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  9. Remove front bumper cover. Refer to: Front Bumper Cover .

    1.5L EcoBoost (132kW/180PS) - I3 (Y1) 

  10. Remove the fasteners and the front cross member.
    GFD748342Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  11. On both sides.Remove and discard the bolts and remove the front outer side member.
    GFD748343Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    2.0L EcoBoost (177kW/240PS) - MI4 

  12. On both sides.Remove and discard the bolts and remove the front outer side member.
    GFD748344Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    All vehicles 

  13. 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 sides.Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link lower nut and position aside the stabilizer bar link.

    GFD748345Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  14. NOTE: Do not use a hammer to separate the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel 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

    GFD748346Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  15. NOTE: Do not use a prying device to open the slot in the knuckle to separate the lower ball joint from the knuckle assembly. Damage to the knuckle assembly may occur.
    NOTE: Do not use a prying device or separator fork between the ball joint and the wheel knuckle. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may result. Only use the pry bar by inserting it into the lower arm body opening.
    NOTE: Use care when releasing the lower arm and wheel knuckle into the resting position or damage to the ball joint seal may occur.

    On both sides.Remove and discard the ball joint pinch bolt and nut and separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle.

    GFD748347Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  16. NOTE: Do not excessively bend or twist the exhaust flexible pipe. Failure to follow these instructions may cause damage to the exhaust flexible pipe.

    Secure the exhaust flexible pipe.

    GFD748348Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  17. Remove the exhaust support bracket bolts.
    GFD748349Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  18. Remove and discard the roll restrictor bolt.
    GFD748350Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  19. Unclip the wire harness retainers.
    GFD748351Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  20. Unclip the wire harness retainers.
    GFD748352Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  21. Position a transmission jack under the front subframe.Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack
    GFD748353Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  22. NOTE: Rear mounting location shown.

    On both sidesIndex-mark the subframe to the body.

    GFD748354Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  23. NOTE: Front mounting location shown.

    On both sidesIndex-mark the subframe to the body.

    GFD748355Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    1. Remove and discard the rearward subframe bolts.
    2. Remove and discard the bolts and remove the subframe brackets.
    GFD748356Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  24. On both sidesRemove and discard the forward subframe bolts.
    GFD748357Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  25. NOTE: Make sure that no components catch.

    Lower the subframe.Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

    GFD748358Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  26. NOTE: The steering column floor seal is a one time use seal and must be replaced anytime that the front subframe is lowered or separated from the vehicle.
    NOTE: Note the position of the component before removal.

    Remove and discard the steering column floor seal.

GFD748359Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY