Ford Explorer: Front Suspension - RWD / Removal and Installation - Rear Lower Arm Ball Joint

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

	204-358 Remover/Installer, Ball Joint TKIT-2005P-F TKIT-2005P-ROW
	204-592 Separator, Lower Arm Ball Joint TKIT-2006C-FFMFLM TKIT-2006C-LM TKIT-2006C-ROW
	205-086 (T74P-4635-C) Installer/Remover, C-Frame and Screw

Removal

NOTICE: 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. Remove the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheel and Tire (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
   

1. NOTE: If equipped.

   1. Disconnect the ride height sensor electrical connector.
      
   2. Remove the ride height sensor arm anchor plate bolt.
      

1. NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove or install the lower arm outboard nut. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur.

   NOTE: Use the TORX PLUS® holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the lower arm outboard nut. Torx® and TORX PLUS® is a reg. tm of Acument Intellectual Properties, LLC.

   Remove and discard the rear lower arm outboard nut.
   

1. NOTICE: Do not use a hammer, prying device, or separator fork to separate the lower arm from the ball joint. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur.

   NOTICE: Use care when releasing the lower arm and wheel knuckle into the resting position. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur.

   Separate the front lower arm from the wheel Knuckle.
   Use Special Service Tool: 204-592  Separator, Lower Arm Ball Joint.

1. Remove and discard the lower ball joint snap ring.
   

1. Remove the ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
   Use Special Service Tool: 204-358  Remover/Installer, Ball Joint. , 205-086 (T74P-4635-C)  Installer/Remover, C-Frame and Screw.

Installation

1. NOTE: Make sure that the mating wheel knuckle and lower arm faces are clean and free of foreign material.

   Before installing a new ball joint, inspect the wheel knuckle and rear lower arm housing to make sure the cavity is clean and free of foreign material.
   

1. Install the ball joint into the wheel knuckle.
   Use Special Service Tool: 204-358  Remover/Installer, Ball Joint. , 205-086 (T74P-4635-C)  Installer/Remover, C-Frame and Screw.

1. NOTE: Make sure the ball joint snap ring is fully seated.

   Install the new lower ball joint snap ring.
   

1. NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove or install the lower arm outboard nut. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur.

   NOTE: Use the TORX PLUS® holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the lower arm outboard nut. Torx® and TORX PLUS® is a reg. tm of Acument Intellectual Properties, LLC.

   1. Attach the rear lower arm to the wheel knuckle.
      
   2. Install the new rear lower arm outboard nut.
      Torque:
         Type-1, Police and HEV (hybrid electric vehicle), M16 for Heavy Duty:   173 lb.ft (235 Nm)
         Type-2, GAS vehicles, M14 for Standard Duty:   85 lb.ft (115 Nm)

1. NOTE: If equipped.

   1. Install the front ride height sensor arm anchor plate bolt.
      Torque: 97 lb.in (11 Nm)
   2. Connect the ride height sensor electrical connector.
      

1. NOTE: If equipped.

   Calibrate the suspension system. Connect the scan tool and carry out the Ride Height Calibration routine. Follow the scan tool directions.
   

1. Install the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheel and Tire (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).