Ford Ecosport: Uni-Body, Subframe and Mounting System / Removal and Installation - Rear Subframe - AWD

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

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. On both sides.
   Remove the rear halfshaft.
   Refer to: Rear Halfshaft (205-05 Rear Drive Halfshafts, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove the rear stabilizer bar.
   Refer to: Rear Stabilizer Bar (204-02B Rear Suspension - AWD, Removal and Installation).
   

1. On both sides.
   Remove the upper arm.
   Refer to: Upper Arm (204-02B Rear Suspension - AWD, Removal and Installation).
   

1. On both sides.
   Remove the rear lower arm.
   Refer to: Rear Lower Arm (204-02B Rear Suspension - AWD, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Drain the differential fluid.
   Refer to: Differential Draining and Filling (205-02 Rear Drive Axle/Differential, General Procedures).
   

1. 1. Disconnect the RDU housing vent tube.
      
   2. Detach the RDU housing vent tube routing retainer.
      

1. Disconnect the RDU electrical wiring connector.
   

1. Remove and discard the driveshaft to rear differential flange bolts and washer assemblies.
   Torque: 26 lb.ft (35 Nm)

1. NOTICE: Make sure that the installation marks are aligned.

   NOTE: Do not remove driveshaft from the pinion flange by pulling on the driveshaft tube. Damage to the CV joint can result.

   
   Disconnect the driveshaft.
   
   1. Index mark the driveshaft CV joint coupling and the RDU flange.
      
   2. Using a flat blade screwdriver, separate the driveshaft from the RDU flange.
      Use the General Equipment: Flat Headed Screw Driver
   3. Gently pull and position the driveshaft aside.
      

1. Position a transmission jack under the rear subframe.
   Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

1. 
   
   1. Remove and discard the forward rear subframe bolts.
      
   2. Remove and discard the rearward rear subframe bolts.
      
   3. Lower the rear subframe from the vehicle.
      Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   

1. 
   
   1. Partially raise the rear subframe and position it to the vehicle.
      Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack
   2. Install the new rearward rear subframe bolts.
      Torque: 59 lb.ft (80 Nm)
   3. Install the new forward rear subframe bolts.
      Torque: 59 lb.ft (80 Nm)

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