Ford Explorer: Front Suspension - RWD / Removal and Installation - Front Strut and Spring Assembly

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.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

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

1. NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove or install the stabilizer bar link nuts. Damage to the stabilizer bar link ball joints and boots may occur.

   NOTE: The stabilizer bar links are designed with low friction ball joints that have a low breakaway torque.

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

   1. Remove and discard the front stabilizer bar link upper nut.
      
   2. Position aside the front stabilizer bar link.
      

1. Remove the pin-type retainer and position the fender splash shield aside.
   

1. Disconnect the front wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
   

1. 1. Remove the brake hose bracket bolt and position aside the brake hose.
      
   2. Remove the bolt and position aside the wheel speed sensor harness.
      

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 pry in the caliper sight hole to retract the pistons as this can damage the pistons and boots.

   NOTICE: Do not allow the brake caliper and anchor plate assembly to hang from the brake hose or damage to the hose can occur.

   
   
   1. Remove and discard the 2 brake caliper anchor plate bolts.
      
   2. Position aside the brake caliper assembly.
      

1. NOTICE: Never allow the knuckle to hang from the lower control arms or damage to the ball joints can occur.

   NOTE: Take care not to damage coating on suspension components.

   1. Remove and discard the lower strut-to-wheel knuckle nuts and bolts.
      

   2. NOTE: Support the wheel knuckle assembly using mechanic's wire.

      Separate the wheel knuckle from the front strut and spring assembly.
      

1. Remove the cowl panel.
   Refer to: Cowl Panel Grille (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
   

1. 1. Remove and discard the 3 upper strut mount bolts.
      
   2. Remove the front strut and spring assembly.
      

Installation

1. 1. Position the front strut and spring assembly
      
   2. Install the new front strut and spring assembly upper bolts.
      Torque: 41 lb.ft (55 Nm)

1. Install the cowl panel grille.
   Refer to: Cowl Panel Grille (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
   

1. 1. Attach the wheel knuckle to the front strut and spring assembly.
      

   2. NOTE: Tighten the nuts until the rotational torque reaches the appropriate specification.

      Install the new front strut and spring assembly-to-wheel knuckle bolts without splines and nuts.
      Torque: 166 lb.ft (225 Nm)

1. Position the brake caliper assembly and install the 2 new brake caliper anchor plate bolts.
   Torque: 129 lb.ft (175 Nm)

1. 1. Position the brake hose and install the brake hose bracket bolt.
      Torque: 133 lb.in (15 Nm)
   2. Position the wheel speed sensor harness and install the bolt.
      Torque: 106 lb.in (12 Nm)

1. Connect the front wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
   

1. Position the fender splash shield and Install the pin-type retainer.
   

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. NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove or install the stabilizer bar link nuts. Damage to the stabilizer bar link ball joints and boots may occur.

   NOTE: The stabilizer bar links are designed with low friction ball joints that have a low breakaway torque.

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

   1. Position the front stabilizer bar link.
      
   2. Install the new front stabilizer bar link upper nut.
      Torque: 129 lb.ft (175 Nm)

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

1. Check and if necessary adjust front camber.
   Refer to: Front Camber and Caster Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).