Front Subframe: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2022 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The steering column floor seal mounting surface must be cleaned using solvent before reinstallation.

Clean and inspect the steering column floor seal mounting surface before reinstallation.

Material: Motorcraft® Metal Brake Parts Cleaner / PM-4-A, PM-4-B

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
NOTE: Make sure that the floor seal lip is fully wrapped around the carrier on the steering gear.

Install the new steering column floor seal.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Partially raise the subframe and position it to the vehicle. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
On both sides. Install the new forward subframe bolts finger tight.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
1. Install the subframe brackets and the new rearward subframe bolts finger tight.
2. Install the new subframe bracket bolts finger tight.
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
NOTE: Rear mounting location shown.

On both sides. Align index-mark made during removal.

Fig 1: Identifying Rear Mounting Location
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
NOTE: Front mounting location shown.

On both sides. Align index-mark made during removal.

Fig 2: Identifying Front Mounting Location
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
On both sides. Tighten the forward subframe bolts.
Torque: 85 lb.ft (115 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
1. Tighten the bolts.
  Torque: Stage 1: 159 lb.ft (215 Nm) Stage 2: 120deg.
2. Tighten the bolts.
  Torque: 46 lb.ft (63 Nm)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
If equipped. Clip the wire harness retainers.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
If equipped. Clip the wire harness retainers.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
NOTE: 2.0L GTDI shown, others similar.

Install the new roll restrictor bolt.

Torque: 129 lb.ft (175 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Install the exhaust support bracket bolts.
Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Release the exhaust flexible pipe support.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
On both sides. Connect the lower ball joint to the wheel knuckle and install the new ball joint pinch bolt and nut.
Torque: 66 lb.ft (90 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the component from turning.

On both sides. Connect the tie rod end to the wheel knuckle and install the new tie rod end nut.

Torque: 35 lb.ft (48 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the component from turning.

On both sides. Position the stabilizer bar links and install the new stabilizer bar link lower nut.

Torque: 85 lb.ft (115 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
On both sides. Install the front outer side member with new bolts.
Torque: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Install the subframe support bracket bolts.
Torque: 22 lb.ft (30 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Install the front bumper cover. Refer to: Front Bumper Cover .
Install the underbody shield and the retainers.
Torque: 22 lb.in (2.5 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Install the underbody shields and the retainers.
Torque: 22 lb.in (2.5 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Position the steering shaft coupler and install the new steering shaft coupler bolt.
Torque: 46 lb.ft (63 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Remove the holding device.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Install the underbody shield and the retainers.
Torque: 13 lb.in (1.5 Nm)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Install the fender splash shield. Refer to: Fender Splash Shield .
Install the wheels and tires. Refer to: Wheel and Tire .
Connect the battery ground cable. Refer to: Battery Disconnect and Connect .
Check and if necessary adjust front toe. Refer to: Front Toe Adjustment .