Ford Ecosport: Front Suspension / Removal and Installation - Lower Arm

Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the 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. If equipped.
   Remove the underbody shield and the retainers.
   

1. NOTICE: Do not use a prying device to open the slot in the knuckle to separate the lower ball joint from the knuckle assembly. Damage to the knuckle assembly may occur.

   NOTICE: Do not use a prying device or separator fork between the ball joint and the wheel knuckle. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may result. Only use the pry bar by inserting it into the lower arm body opening.

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

   Remove and discard the lower ball joint pinch bolt and nut and separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
   

1. Remove and discard the lower arm forward and rearward bolts and remove the lower arm.
   
   1. Remove and discard the lower arm forward bolt.
      
   2. Remove and discard the lower arm rearward bolt.
      

Installation

1. NOTE: Only tighten the bolts finger tight at this stage.

   Install the lower arm and new forward and rearward bolts.
   
   1. Install the lower arm new forward bolt.
      
   2. Install the lower arm new rearward bolt.
      

1. On both sides.
   Connect the lower ball joint to the wheel knuckle and install the new ball joint pinch bolt and nut.
   Torque: 38 lb.ft (52 Nm)

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

1. NOTICE: Tighten the suspension bushing fasteners with the suspension loaded or with the weight of the vehicle resting on the wheels and tires, otherwise incorrect clamp load and bushing damage may occur.

   Tighten the lower arm forward and rearward bolts.
   
   1. Tighten the front lower arm forward bolt.
      Torque:
        Stage 1:  76 lb.ft (103 Nm)
        Stage 2:  180°
   2. Tighten the front lower arm rearward bolt.
      Torque:
        Stage 1:  46 lb.ft (63 Nm)
        Stage 2:  180°

1. If removed.
   Install the underbody shield and the retainers.
   Torque:
      1:   13 lb.in (1.5 Nm)
      2:   22 lb.in (2.5 Nm)

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