Front Suspension Ford Taurus X I

Material

Material

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

The front suspension consists of the following components

1. Wheel bearing and wheel hubs
2. Wheel studs
3. Lower arms
4. Stabilizer bar
5. Stabilizer bar links
6. Struts
7. Springs
8. Wheel knuckles

The front suspension utilizes a MacPherson strut system.

This suspension system incorporates a strut assembly that takes the place of the upper arm and ball joint. The strut carries out the function of a shock absorber and is encompassed by a coil spring. The strut and spring assembly supports the weight of the vehicle and is also the pivot point for the steering knuckle. This system uses a lower control arm and ball joint for the lower (unloaded) pivot point of the steering knuckle.

Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

1. For additional information, refer to the procedures in this article.

Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub

Material

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

Note. 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.

1. Remove the wheel knuckle. For additional information, refer to «Wheel Knuckle»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__wheel-knuckle) .
2. Remove and discard the 4 wheel bearing and wheel hub bolts, then separate the wheel bearing and wheel hub from the wheel knuckle. To install, tighten the new bolts to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft) in the sequence shown.
3. Clean and inspect the knuckle bearing bore. If the wheel knuckle is cracked, install a new wheel knuckle.
4. Using a clean shop towel, clean the wheel hub-to-knuckle mating surfaces.
5. To install, reverse the removal procedure. Lubricate the hub-to-brake disc surface with anti-seize lubricant before installing the brake disc.

Wheel Studs

Special Tools Illustration Tool Name Tool Number Installer/Remover, C-Frame and Screw 211-023 (T74P-3044-A1)

REMOVAL

1. Remove the brake disc. For additional information, refer to «FRONT DISC BRAKE»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#front-disc-brake-system) article.
2. Using the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover, remove the wheel stud.

INSTALLATION

1. Position the wheel stud in the flange, making sure the serrations on the stud line up with the serrations in the flange. Install the washers and a reversed wheel nut.
2. Tighten the wheel nut until the stud is seated against the hub flange.
3. Remove the wheel nut and the washers. Discard the wheel nut.
4. Install the brake disc. For additional information, refer to «FRONT DISC BRAKE»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#front-disc-brake-system) article.

Note. 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.

1. Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to «WHEELS AND TIRES»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#wheels-tires) article.
2. Using a crowfoot wrench, remove and discard the lower ball joint nut. To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
3. Push the lower arm downward until the ball joint is clear of the wheel knuckle.
4. Remove and discard the lower arm forward bolt. To install, tighten the new bolt to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
5. Remove and discard the lower arm rearward nuts and bolts. To install, tighten the new nuts to 99 Nm (73 lb-ft). Install the new lower arm rearward bolts from the bottom of the lower arm bushing with the nuts on top.
6. If necessary, remove the lower arm rearward bushing. For additional information, refer to «Lower Arm Bushing»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__lower-arm-bushing) .
7. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Lower Arm Bushing

Special Tools Illustration Tool Name Tool Number Remover, Drive Pinion Bearing Cone 205-D002 (D79L-4621-A)

1. Remove the lower arm. For additional information, refer to «Lower Arm»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) .
2. Index-mark the bushing-to-lower arm position for reference during the installation procedure.
3. Using the Drive Pinion Bearing Cone Remover, a suitable press and adapters, remove the lower arm bushing.

1. Install the Drive Pinion Bearing Cone Remover onto the lower arm.
2. Transfer the index mark to the new lower arm bushing.
3. Align the index marks and using the Drive Pinion Bearing Cone Remover, press and adapters, install a new lower arm bushing.
4. Install the lower arm. For additional information, refer to «Lower Arm»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) .

Note. 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. For additional information, refer to «JACKING AND LIFTING»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-and-lifting) article.
2. Disconnect the Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) electrical connector and unclip the connector from the subframe.
3. Remove the exhaust Y-pipe. For additional information, refer to «EXHAUST SYSTEM»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/exhaust/#exhaust-system) article.
4. Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link lower nuts. To install, tighten the new nuts to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
5. Remove and discard both tie-rod end nuts and separate the tie-rod ends from the knuckles. To install, tighten the new nuts to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
6. Remove and discard the 4 lower arm rearward nuts and bolts. To install, tighten the new bolts to 99 Nm (73 lb-ft).
7. Remove and discard the 2 lower arm forward bolts. Position both lower arms aside. To install, tighten the new bolts to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
8. Using a suitable screw-type jackstand, support the rear of the subframe.
9. Remove the 2 steering gear nuts and bolts. To install, tighten the new nuts to 117 Nm (86 lb-ft).
10. Remove and discard the 4 subframe bracket bolts. To install, tighten the new bolts to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
11. Remove and discard the subframe forward bolts. To install, tighten the new bolts to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
12. Remove and discard the subframe rearward bolts. To install, tighten the new bolts to 175 Nm (130 lb-ft).
13. Lower the rear of the subframe approximately 51 mm (2 in).
14. Remove and discard the LH and RH stabilizer bar bracket bolts. To install, tighten the new bolts to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
15. Remove the stabilizer bar by guiding it between the subframe and the steering gear towards the RH side of the vehicle.
16. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Note. 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.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to «JACKING AND LIFTING»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-and-lifting) article.
2. Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link upper nut. To install, tighten the new nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
3. Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link lower nut. To install, tighten the new nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
4. Remove the stabilizer bar link.
5. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Wheel Knuckle

Special Tools Illustration Tool Name Tool Number Remover, Front Wheel Hub 205-D070 (D93P-1175-B) or equivalent

Note. 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.

1. Remove and discard the wheel hub nut. To install, tighten the new nut to 350 Nm (258 lb-ft).
2. Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to «WHEELS AND TIRES»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#wheels-tires) article.
3. Remove the brake disc. For additional information, refer to «FRONT DISC BRAKE»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#front-disc-brake-system) article.
4. Remove and discard the tie-rod end nut, then separate the tie rod from the wheel knuckle. To install, tighten the new nut to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
5. Remove the bolt and the wheel speed sensor from the wheel knuckle. Position the wheel speed sensor aside. To install, tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).
6. Using a crowfoot wrench, remove and discard the lower ball joint nut. To install, tighten the new nut to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
7. Push the lower arm downward until the ball joint is clear of the wheel knuckle.
8. Using the Front Wheel Hub Remover, press the halfshaft from the wheel bearing and hub. Support the halfshaft in a level position.
9. Remove and discard the strut-to-wheel knuckle nut and flagbolt. To install, tighten the new nut to 175 Nm (129 lb-ft).
10. Remove the wheel knuckle. If necessary, remove the wheel hub and bearing. For additional information, refer to «Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__wheel-bearing-and-wheel-hub) .
11. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Strut and Spring Assembly

Special Tools Illustration Tool Name Tool Number Remover, Front Wheel Hub 205-D070 (D93P-1175-B) or equivalent

Note. 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.

1. Loosen the upper strut mount nuts.
2. Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to «WHEELS AND TIRES»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#wheels-tires) article.
3. Remove and discard the wheel hub nut. To install, tighten the new nut to 350 Nm (258 lb-ft).
4. Remove the brake disc. For additional information, refer to «FRONT DISC BRAKE»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#front-disc-brake-system) article.
5. Remove and discard the tie-rod end nut, then separate the tie rod from the wheel knuckle. To install, tighten the new nut to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
6. Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link upper nut. To install, tighten the new nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
7. Detach the wheel speed sensor harness from the strut.
8. Remove the bolt and the wheel speed sensor from the wheel knuckle. Position the wheel speed sensor aside. To install, tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).
9. Using a crowfoot wrench, remove and discard the lower ball joint nut. To install, tighten the new nut to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
10. Push the lower arm downward until the ball joint is clear of the wheel knuckle.
11. Using the Front Wheel Hub Remover, press the halfshaft from the wheel bearing and hub. Support the halfshaft in a level position.
12. Remove and discard the 4 upper strut mount nuts. To install, tighten the new nuts to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
13. Remove the wheel knuckle and the strut and spring as an assembly.
14. Remove and discard the strut-to-wheel knuckle nut and flagbolt. To install, tighten the new nut to 175 Nm (129 lb-ft).
15. Separate the strut and spring assembly from the wheel knuckle.
16. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Scheme 12

DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY

Note. 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.

1. Remove the strut and spring assembly. For additional information, refer to «Strut and Spring Assembly»(/ford/taurus-x/i-2007-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__strut-and-spring-assembly) .
2. Using a suitable spring compressor, slightly compress the spring to remove initial tension. While holding the strut rod, loosen the nut. Continue to compress the spring until tension is relieved.
3. While holding the strut rod, remove and discard the strut rod nut. To install, tighten the new nut to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
4. Inspect the upper strut mount and seat-bearing assembly. The spring insulator should not be cracked, torn or distorted. The strut bearing should turn freely without grinding. Install a new upper strut mount, if necessary.
5. Decompress and remove the spring. Remove the dust boot and jounce bumper. To maintain wheel camber: position the notch and arrow on the upper strut mount outboard opposite the locator tab on the strut. To adjust camber +0.5 degrees: position the notch and arrow on the upper strut mount inboard aligned with the locator tab on the strut.
6. To assemble, reverse the disassembly procedure.

See also:
• SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION
• FRONT DISC BRAKE
• WHEELS AND TIRES
• JACKING AND LIFTING
• EXHAUST SYSTEM
• Wheel Knuckle
• Lower Arm Bushing
• Lower Arm
• Wheel Bearing and Wheel Hub
• Strut and Spring Assembly