Ford Explorer, Maintaince And Repair Manual

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Exploded view of the lower control arm
Click to enlarge
To remove the lower control arm, the torsion bar must be removed. Anytime the torsion bar is
disturbed, the ride height must be checked and adjusted.
Position the steering wheel to the on−center position. Loosen the wheel lug nuts. 1.
Raise and safely support the vehicle. 2.
Remove the wheel lug nuts and wheel. 3.
Disconnect the stabilizer bar link bolt from the lower control arm. 4.
Remove the front shock absorber. 5.
Remove the torsion bar. 6.
Remove the lower ball joint retaining nut cotter pin and loosen the nut but do not remove it. 7.
Disconnect the lower ball joint stud from the steering knuckle using a jawed puller, such as Pitman
Arm Puller T64P−3590−F, or equivalent. 8.
WARNING
Fasten a support, either out of a block of wood or wire wrapped around the frame, and support the weight of
the steering knuckle/brake assembly. Do not allow the steering knuckle/brake assembly to hang from the
upper ball joint as this may damage the joint.
Position a jack under the lower control arm then remove the lower ball joint retaining nut. 9.
Raise the lower control arm until the lower ball joint stud is free from the steering knuckle. 10.
Remove the two nuts and bolts retaining the lower arm pivot points to the frame crossmember. 11.
Remove the lower control arm from the frame pockets. Some careful prying may ease the removal of
the arm. 12.
To install:
Inspect the lower ball joint, boot and pivot bushings. If any inspected components are worn or
damaged, the entire control arm must be replaced. 13.
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION 913