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Home >> Lincoln >> 2021 >> Aviator Base, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Body & Frame >> Frames, Subframes & Crossmembers >> Uni-Body, SUBFRAME And Mounting System >> Removal And Installation >> Front Subframe >> Removal

Front Subframe: Removal

NOTE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified.
  1. Measure the distance from the center of the hub to the lip of the fender with the vehicle in a level, static ground position (curb height).
    GFD535803Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to: Jacking and Lifting .
  3. Using a suitable holding device, hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.
    GFD535804Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  4. Remove the retainers and the upper radiator panel.
    GFD535805Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  5. Remove the bolts and the suspension support bar.

    Torque: 22 lb.ft (30 Nm)

    GFD535440Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  6. Remove the following items:

    1. Charge air cooler outlet pipe. Refer to: Charge Air Cooler (CAC) Outlet Pipe .
    2. Coolant pump. Refer to: Coolant Pump .

    • Remove the coolant pipe bracket retaining bolts.

      Torque: 97 lb.in (11 Nm)

    • Remove the intake manifold bracket retaining bolts.

      Torque: 97 lb.in (11 Nm)

    • Remove the intake manifold bracket.

    GFD535806Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    • Detach the wiring harness retainers.

    • Remove the coolant pipe bolts.

      Torque: 97 lb.in (11 Nm)

    • Position the coolant pipe aside.

    GFD535807Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    • Disconnect the vacuum tubes.

    • Detach the retainer and position the vacuum tubes aside.

    GFD535808Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  7. 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 bolt.

      Torque: 22 lb.ft (30 Nm)

    • Separate the steering column shaft coupler from the EPAS gear.

    GFD535809Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  8. Remove the engine front cover bolts.

    Torque: Stage 1: 177 lb.in (20 Nm) | Stage 2: 45°

    GFD535810Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  9. Using two M8 x 1.25 x 105 mm bolts and two washers, install the special tools to the engine. Install Special Service Tool: 303-050 (T70P-6000) Lifting Bracket, Engine.
    GFD535811Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  10. Install Special Service Tool: 303-F070 Support Bar, Engine.
    GFD535812Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  11. Remove the following items:

    1. Front wheels and tires. Refer to: Wheel and Tire .
    2. LH catalytic converter. Refer to: Catalytic Converter LH .

  12. If equipped.

    • Remove pin-type retainer.

    • Remove the bolts and the underbody shield.

      Torque: 22 lb.in (2.5 Nm)

    GFD535813Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  13. If equipped.

    • Remove the pin-type retainers, bolts and the rear underbody shield.

      Torque: 22 lb.in (2.5 Nm)

    GFD535814Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  14. On both sides. Remove the wheel arch liner to front subframe retainers.
    GFD535815Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  15. NOTE: Use the internal or external hex-holding feature to prevent the ball and stud from turning while removing or installing the stabilizer bar link nuts. The link boot seal must not be allowed to twist while tightening the link nuts or damage to the boot seal will occur.

    On both sides Remove and discard the nut and position the sway bar link aside.

    Torque: 129 lb.ft (175 Nm)

    GFD535816Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  16. On both sides Remove and discard the strut nut and bolt.

    Torque: 210 lb.ft (285 Nm)

    GFD535817Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  17. NOTE: Do not use a hammer to separate the 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 tie rod end boot may occur.
    NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent turning of the stud while removing the tie rod end nut.

    1. On both sides. Remove and discard the tie rod end nut.

      Torque: 52 lb.ft (70 Nm)

    2. On both sides. Separate the tie rod end from the wheel knuckle.

    GFD535818Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  18. On both sides. Remove and discard the front lower arm outboard nut.

    Torque: 66 lb.ft (90 Nm)

    GFD535819Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

    AWD 

  19. NOTE: Failure to remove the AWD front halfshaft during lower control arm removal will cause damage to the front halfshaft.

    Remove the front halfshaft. Refer to: Halfshaft .

    All vehicles 

  20. 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.

    • Separate the front lower arm from the wheel Knuckle.

    GFD535820Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  21. NOTE: If equipped with dynamic suspension.

    On Both sides

    1. Disconnect the ride height sensor electrical connector and separate the wiring harness guide.
    2. Remove the ride height sensor arm anchor plate bolt.

    GFD535821Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    1. Remove and discard the rear lower arm outboard nut.

      Torque: 136 lb.ft (185 Nm)

    2. Detach the rear lower arm from the wheel knuckle.
    GFD535822Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  22. Remove the retainers and the LH (left-hand) steering gear splash shield
    GFD535823Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  23. Remove the retainers and the RH (right-hand) steering gear splash shield.
    GFD535824Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  24. Disconnect the EPAS gear harness electrical connectors.
    GFD535825Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  25. Detach the HO2S wiring harness retainers from the RH subframe.
    GFD535826Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  26. NOTE: Single vacuum tube system shown, dual vacuum tube system similar.

    Disconnect the vacuum tube(s).

    GFD535827Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  27. Unclip and position aside the EPAS gear harness.
    GFD535828Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  28. Detach the HO2S wiring harness retainers from the LH subframe.
    GFD535829Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  29. NOTE: Single vacuum tube system shown, dual vacuum tube system similar.

    Disconnect the vacuum tube(s).

    GFD535830Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  30. Unclip the oil cooler hose retainer and mounting bracket bolt from the front subframe.

    Torque: 71 lb.in (8 Nm)

    GFD535831Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  31. Detach the air suspension tube retainers.
    GFD535832Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  32. Remove the bolts and position the underbody shield aside.

    Torque: 22 lb.in (2.5 Nm)

    GFD535833Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  33. Remove the front radiator support bar bolts.

    Torque: 46 lb.ft (63 Nm)

    GFD535834Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  34. Support the front and rear of the subframe with adjustable jack stands.
    GFD535835Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  35. NOTE: Only use hand tools when removing the engine mount nuts or damage to the engine mount can occur.

    • Remove the LH and RH engine mount nuts.

      Torque: 184 lb.ft (250 Nm)

    • Discard the engine mount nuts.

    GFD535836Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  36. On both sides. Mark the front subframe location.
    GFD535837Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  37. On both sides. Mark the rear subframe location.
    GFD535838Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  38. Remove and discard the rear subframe bolts.

    Torque: Stage 1: 52 lb.ft (70 Nm) | Stage 2: 90°

    GFD535839Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  39. Remove and discard the middle subframe bolts.

    Torque: 195 lb.ft (265 Nm)

    GFD535840Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  40. Remove and discard the front subframe bolts.

    Torque: 195 lb.ft (265 Nm)

    GFD535841Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  41. With the aid of an assistant, lower the front subframe assembly from the vehicle.
GFD535842Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY