Rear Suspension

Stabilizer Bar and Link - Explorer Sport Trac

















Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

NOTICE: Orientation of the suspension fasteners is important. Make sure the fasteners are installed in the same direction as they were in when removed or incorrect clamp load and damage to components may occur.

1. Remove both upper arms. For additional information, refer to Upper Arm Upper Arm.

2. NOTE: Removal of the LH shock absorber lower bolt will allow more movement of the wheel knuckle when installing the stabilizer bar.

Remove the LH shock absorber lower bolt.


3. Disconnect the Evaporative Emission (EVAP) canister vent valve electrical connector.

4. Unclip the wiring harness from the frame.

5. Remove the fuel tank filler pipe bracket bolt.

6. Loosen the fuel tank filler pipe hose clamps and disconnect the hose.

7. Remove the stabilizer bar link nut and grommet and the stabilizer bar link.
- Discard the nut and grommet.

8. Remove the wiring harness retainer caps from the stabilizer bar bracket studs.

9. Remove and discard the 4 stabilizer bar bracket nuts.

10. Remove the 2 stabilizer bar brackets and the 2 stabilizer bar bushings.

11. Remove the 4 stabilizer bar bracket studs.
- For the front studs, push the stud down and slide the stud toward the rear of the vehicle.

- For the rear studs, push the stud down and slide the stud toward the front of the vehicle.





12. Disconnect the fuel filler pipe tube-to-fuel pressure sensor line quick connect coupling.

13. Unclip the fuel filler pipe tube-to-fuel pressure sensor line from the fuel tank and position aside.

14. NOTICE: When removing the stabilizer bar, care must be taken to avoid damage to the wiring harness, fuel lines, fuel filler tube and body.

NOTICE: Extreme care must be exercised when removing and installing the stabilizer bar on vehicles equipped with rear Air Conditioning (A/C) and/or rear heating, or damage to the A/C lines and rear heater hoses can occur.

With the aid of an assistant, remove the stabilizer bar from the LH side of the vehicle.





Installation

NOTICE: When installing the stabilizer bar, care must be taken to avoid damage to the wiring harness, fuel lines, fuel filler tube and body.

NOTICE: Extreme care must be exercised when removing and installing the stabilizer bar on vehicles equipped with rear Air Conditioning (A/C) and/or rear heating, or damage to the A/C lines and rear heater hose may occur.

1. With the aid of an assistant, install the stabilizer bar into the LH side of the vehicle.

2. Connect the fuel filler pipe tube-to-fuel sensor line.

3. Connect the fuel filler pipe tube-to-fuel pressure sensor line quick connect coupling.

4. Install the 4 stabilizer bar bracket studs.

5. Install the 2 stabilizer bar bushings and the 2 stabilizer bar brackets.

6. Install the 4 new stabilizer bar bracket nuts.
- Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).

7. Install the wiring harness retaining caps onto the stabilizer bar studs.

8. Use the jack to raise the suspension until the distance between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to the measurement taken in Step 1 of the Upper Arm procedure.

9. Install the stabilizer bar link, the new link nut and the grommet.
- Tighten to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).

10. Connect the fuel tank filler hose.
- Tighten the 2 filler pipe hose clamps to 3 Nm (27 lb-in).

11. Install the fuel tank filler pipe bracket bolt.
- Tighten to 15 Nm (133 lb-in).

12. Connect the wiring harness clip to the frame.

13. Connect the EVAP canister vent electrical connector.

14. Install the new LH shock absorber lower bolt.
- Tighten to 275 Nm (203 lb-ft).

15. Install both upper arms. For additional information, refer to Upper Arm Upper Arm.