Suspension - Front Ford Tempo I

DESCRIPTION

Note. For information on Continental FWD, see FORD MOTOR CO. AIR SUSPENSION - CONTINENTAL article.

The FWD front suspension is a MacPherson strut type with cast steering knuckles. Shock absorber strut assembly includes a rubber isolated top mount. (Scheme 1)and (Scheme 2). The top of the strut assembly is bolted to the body side apron, with the bottom attached to the steering knuckle.

A pinch joint is designed into knuckle to retain ball joint stud. A forged control arm (lower) is attached to underbody side apron and steering knuckle. On Escort, EXP, Tempo and Topaz models, a stabilizer bar is connected to both control arms and secured to the crossmember. Taurus and Sable models feature tension struts connecting lower control arms to the subframe. A stabilizer bar is connected to the MacPherson struts by stabilizer links attached near the coil spring seats.

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

CASTER & CAMBER

See appropriate article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT section.

RIDING HEIGHT

See RIDING HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT section.

FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS

Bearings are cartridge design and are pregreased and sealed. They require no periodic maintenance or adjustment. If bearing is disassembled for any reason, it must be replaced as a unit. No individual service seals, rollers or races are available.

BALL JOINT CHECKING

Raise vehicle so that wheels fall to full down position. Grasp tire by top and bottom edge and move wheel assembly in and out. Any movement between lower end of knuckle and control arm indicates abnormal ball joint wear and requires replacement of lower control arm assembly.

BALL JOINTS

Ball joints are not replaceable. Replace lower control arm and ball joints as an assembly.

STABILIZER BAR & INSULATORS

Note. When installing insulator bushings on stabilizer bar and in control arms, use only vegetable oil. Any mineral or petroleum based oil or brake fluid will deteriorate rubber bushings.

Removal (Except Sable & Taurus)

1. Raise vehicle on frame hoist. Remove stabilizer bar-to-control arm nuts and discard. Remove large dished washers from each control arm.
2. Remove stabilizer bar insulator "U" bracket bolts (discard) and "U" brackets. Remove stabilizer bar assembly. If stabilizer bar insulators are worn, remove by cutting away from bar.

Scheme 3

1. Remove control arm inner pivot nut and bolt. Pull control arm down from underbody. If stabilizer bar is not already removed, pull control arm away from bar.
2. Remove stabilizer bar-to-control arm insulator bushing spacer. Using "C" Clamp (T74P-3044-A1) and Adapter (T81P-5493-A), remove old insulator bushing from control arm. (Scheme 3)
3. Coat new control arm insulator bushing and bushing bore with vegetable oil. Using "C" clamp and adapter, install bushing in control arm by slowly tightening "C" clamp until bushing pops into place.

Installation

1. Coat new stabilizer bar insulators and stabilizer bar with vegetable oil. Slide insulators onto stabilizer bar and position them in the proper locations. Ensure spacer is in place with washer end seated against machined shoulder of bar.
2. Clean stabilizer bar threads. Using new bolts, attach stabilizer bar and insulator "U" brackets to bracket assemblies. Hand start all 4 "U" bracket bolts. Tighten all bolts down halfway, then tighten to specifications.
3. Position control arm onto stabilizer bar. Ensure washer spacer is in place with washer end seated against bar machined shoulder. Position control arm to underbody.
4. Install new pivot nut and bolt. Install new nut and original dished washer (dished side away from bushing) on stabilizer bar. Lower vehicle.

Removal (Sable & Taurus)

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove stabilizer bar-to-strut attaching nuts and discard. Remove nuts retaining steering gear to subframe, and move gear off subframe.
2. Place jack stands under subframe. Remove 2 rear subframe mounting bolts. (Scheme 4) Remove stabilizer bar "U" bracket bolts and lift out stabilizer bar. Remove insulators from bar and replace.

Scheme 4

1. Clean stabilizer bar insulator mounting area. Lubricate insulators. Position new insulators on bar. Install "U" brackets on insulators. Install stabilizer bar on subframe.
2. Install new bolts on "U" brackets. Raise subframe and install new subframe-to-body attaching bolts. Continue installation in reverse order of removal procedure.

LOWER CONTROL ARM & BUSHINGS

Removal

1. Place ignition switch in the "unlocked" position. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheels. On Taurus and Sable models, remove nut from tension strut. Pull off dished washer.
2. On all others, remove stabilizer bar-to-control arm nut and dished washer. Remove control arm inner pivot bushing nut and bolt. On all models, remove lower control arm ball joint pinch bolt. Do not damage seal bolt seal (if equipped).
3. Using screwdriver, slightly spread knuckle pinch joint and separate control arm from steering knuckle. A drift punch may be used to remove pinch bolt.
4. On Taurus and Sable, remove and discard lower control arm inner pivot bolt and nut. On all others, remove stabilizer bar bushing from arm bushing. On all models, remove lower control arm.

Note. The lower control arm inner pivot bushing can be replaced in the vehicle without removing arm from knuckle.

Lower Control Arm Inner Pivot Bushing Replacement

1. Using a sharp knife, cut away retaining lip of bushing before removal. Press bushing from control arm using "C" Clamp (T74P-3044-A1), Adapters (T86P-5493-A3 and T86P-5493-A2) on Sable and Taurus or Replacer (T81P-5493-B) on all others.
2. On all models, saturate new pivot bushing with vegetable oil (or equivalent) before installation. Using "C" clamp and adapter or replacer, install pivot bushing into control arm.

Tension Strut Insulator (Sable & Taurus)

Using Remover (T86P-5493-A5) and "C" Clamp (T74P-3044-A1), remove insulator. Apply vegetable oil to new insulator before installation. Install insulator using Installers (T86P-5493-A1 and A2) and "C" clamp.

Note. For stabilizer bar insulator replacement (except Sable and Taurus models), see STABILIZER BAR & INSULATORS in this article.

Installation (Sable & Taurus)

1. Insert tension strut into lower control arm bushing. Ensure front washer is present at tension strut-to-arm attachment. Position lower control arm and install bolt.
2. Assemble control arm ball joint stud into steering knuckle. Ensure ball joint stud groove is properly positioned. Install new pinch bolt and nut. Install dished washer on tension strut. Dished side should face away from bushing. Install tire and wheel. Lower vehicle.

Installation (All Others)

1. Assemble lower ball joint in steering knuckle. Ensure groove in ball joint is positioned properly. Install new pinch bolt. Install stabilizer bar in arm bushing.
2. Position lower control onto stabilizer bar. Position lower control arm into inner underbody. Install stabilizer bar, dished washer and nut.

Removal (Right-Hand Side)

Raise vehicle on frame hoist. Remove 2 bolts retaining stabilizer bar "U" brackets to front crossmember bracket assembly. Remove 3 bolts retaining bracket assembly to body. Remove bracket assembly from vehicle.

Install new bracket assembly using new bolts and nuts. Hand start all 3 long bolts. Starting with rear bolt first, tighten mounting bolts to specifications. Install stabilizer bar and "U" brackets to bracket assembly, using 2 new bolts. Tighten all bolts halfway, before tightening to specifications.

Removal (Left-Hand Side)

1. Raise vehicle on frame hoist. Remove the 2 stabilizer bar "U" bracket-to-front crossmember bracket bolts. With a block of wood as a cushion, place jack under transmission pan to support the weight of engine and transmission.
2. Remove nut and washer assembly retaining engine mount to bracket assembly. Remove 3 bolts retaining bracket assembly to body. Remove bracket assembly from vehicle.

1. Install new bracket assembly using new bolts and nuts. Hand start 3 long bolts. Starting with rear bolt, tighten bolts to specifications. Lower jack supporting engine and transmission. NOTE: When lowering jack, ensure stud and locating tab on engine mount are in index slots on bracket assembly.
2. Tighten engine mount nut and washer assembly to specifications. Remove jack. Install stabilizer bar and "U" brackets into bracket assembly. Tighten bolts halfway, before tightening to specifications. Lower vehicle.

1. Turn ignition off, leaving switch in "unlocked" position. Raise vehicle on frame hoist. Remove wheel. Remove cotter pin and slotted nut from tie rod end stud. Using Tie Rod Remover (3290-C) and Adapter (T81P-3504-W), separate tie rod end from steering knuckle.
2. Remove brake caliper. On Sable and Taurus models, disconnect stabilizer bar from shock strut. On all models, loosen (do not remove) top strut mount-to-apron nuts.
3. Remove drive axle shaft from hub. See «HUB & WHEEL BEARINGS»(/ford/tempo/i-1983-1994/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-front) . Remove lower control arm-to-steering knuckle pinch bolt and nut, using a drift punch if necessary. DO NOT use a hammer to separate ball joint from steering knuckle.
4. Using screwdriver, slightly spread knuckle-to-lower arm pinch joint and remove lower arm from knuckle. Remove shock absorber strut-to-steering knuckle pinch bolt. Using screwdriver, slightly spread knuckle-to-strut pinch joint. Remove steering knuckle and hub assembly.

To install, reverse removal procedure. Use new strut-to-knuckle pinch bolt, hub nut, tie rod end nut, and control arm-to-steering knuckle nut and bolt. Ensure ball stud groove is properly positioned.

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

1. Remove wheel cover. Remove hub retainer nut and washer by applying sufficient torque to break locking tabs. On Sable and Taurus models, retainer nut is crimped. On all models, discard nut. Raise vehicle on frame hoist. Remove front wheel.
2. Loosen brake caliper locating pins and rotate caliper off rotor. Do not remove caliper pins from caliper assembly. Lift caliper from rotor and hang with wire.
3. Pull rotor from hub. If difficult to remove, apply rust penetrant, and use a 3-jaw puller on rotor O.D. while pushing on hub center. NOTE: If excessive force was needed for removal, check rotor for excessive lateral runout before installation and replace as necessary.
4. Disconnect the lower control arm and the tie rod from knuckle, but leave strut attached. Loosen top strut mount-to-apron nuts. Install Hub Remover/Installer (T81P-1104-C). Use Adapters (T83P-1104-BH1 and T86P-1104-A1) on Sable and Taurus models. Use Adapters (T81P-1104-A and T81P-1104-BH) on all other models. (Scheme 5)
5. Remove hub, bearing and knuckle assembly by pushing out CV joint outer shaft until it is free of assembly. Wire drive axle shaft to body to maintain level position. Support knuckle with wire. Remove strut bolt and slide hub and knuckle assembly off strut.
6. Remove support wire and place front hub and knuckle assembly on bench. Use Front Hub Puller (D80L-1002-L) and Shaft Protector (D80L-625-1) to remove hub. (Scheme 6)
7. Remove and discard bearing snap ring from knuckle. Use Spacer (T86P-1104-A2) and Bearing Remover (T83P-1104-AH2) on Sable and Taurus models to press bearing out of knuckle. On all other models, use Bearing Remover (T83P-1104-AH2) and Spacer (T83P-1104-AH3). On all models, discard hub bearing. (Scheme 7)

Scheme 7

1. Clean knuckle bearing bore and hub bearing journal. If hub bearing journal is scored or damaged, replace hub. Do not attempt to service hub. Place spacer, step side down, on press plate.
2. Position knuckle (outboard side down) on spacer. Position new bearing in bore on inboard side of knuckle. On Sable and Taurus models, place Spacer (T86P-1104-A2) in outboard side. On all others, use Spacer (T83P-1104-AH3). On Sable and Taurus, use Bearing Installer (T86P-1104-A3) to press bearing into knuckle. Use Bearing Installer (T83T-1104-AH1) on all other models. Press on outer race of bearing.
3. Ensure bearing seats against knuckle bore shoulder. Install new snap ring in knuckle groove. Place spacer on press plate with step side up. Position hub on spacer with studs facing down.
4. Position knuckle assembly (outboard side down) on hub barrel. On all except Sable and Taurus, place Bearing Installer (T83T-1104-AH1) on inner bearing race. Use Bearing Remover (T83P-1104-AH2) on Sable and Taurus models. On all models, press down on tool until bearing is fully seated onto hub. Ensure hub rotates freely in knuckle.
5. If removed, install new seal on outboard CV joint. Ensure seal flange faces outboard (toward bearing). Suspend hub and knuckle assembly on vehicle with wire. Attach strut assembly loosely to knuckle. Lubricate CV joint stub shaft splines with engine oil.
6. Insert shaft into hub splines, as far as possible, using hand pressure only. Check splines for proper engagement. Install brake rotor on hub. Using hub remover/installer and adapter tools, press hub and stub shaft together. CAUTION: Do not use new hub retainer nut to draw drive axle shaft into hub.
7. Tighten hub installer tool to 120 ft. lbs. (163 N.m) to ensure hub is fully seated. Remove hub installer tool and adapters. Install washer with new retainer nut, and tighten finger tight.
8. Install front suspension components. Install brake caliper. Ensure outer brake shoe spring hook is seated under upper arm of knuckle. Install wheel. Lower vehicle and block wheels. Tighten wheel lug nuts. On Sable and Taurus, tighten hub nut. CAUTION: Do not use impact wrench to tighten hub retainer nut. Do not move vehicle until hub nut is tightened and staked.
9. On all except Sable and Taurus models, use a 1 3/16" (30 mm) socket to tighten hub nut. During installation, an audible click sound will indicate proper ratchet function of retainer.
10. As retainer tightens, ensure one of 3 locking tabs is in slot of CV joint. If hub retainer is damaged, or more than one locking tab is broken, replace retainer.

1. Loosen top mount-to-shock tower nuts. Raise vehicle and remove front wheel(s). Remove brake flex line-to-strut retaining bolt.
2. On Sable and Taurus models, steering knuckle and hub must be removed from vehicle. See «HUB & WHEEL BEARINGS»(/ford/tempo/i-1983-1994/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-front) in this article. Disconnect stabilizer bar link from strut.
3. On all models, remove strut-to-knuckle pinch bolt. Using large screwdriver, slightly spread knuckle-to-strut pinch joint. On all except Sable and Taurus, use pry bar to pry down on knuckle until strut separates from knuckle. Do not pinch brake flex line.
4. On all models, remove top mount-to-shock tower nuts. Remove strut damper assembly from vehicle. Place strut damper assembly in bench mounted spring compressor. CAUTION: On Taurus and Sable models shock strut damper rod must be held still while mount nut is turned or fracture of rod at hex base may occur.
5. On Taurus and Sable models, hold shock strut shaft with 10 mm wrench and use 21 mm crow's foot wrench to remove nut. On all other models, place an 18 mm wrench on strut shaft nut. Using an 8 mm 1/4" drive deep socket on shaft. Remove top shaft mount nut.
6. Slowly release spring compressor. Disassemble strut damper from top mount bracket assembly and coil spring. (Scheme 8)and (Scheme 9). Inspect components for excessive wear or damage. Replace parts as necessary.
7. Check coil spring insulator for damage. If outer splash shield is deformed, it must be bent back so it does not touch locator tabs on bearing and seal assembly.

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

To complete installation, reverse removal procedures. When installing coil spring, ensure swagged end of spring is up and pigtail of spring is indexed in spring seat.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• STABILIZER BAR & INSULATORS
• HUB & WHEEL BEARINGS