Rear

Stabilizer Bar and Link - Explorer, Mountaineer

Stabilizer Bar and Link - Explorer, Mountaineer:

Removal

CAUTION: 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.

CAUTION: 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. Measure the distance from the center of the hub to the lip of the fender with the vehicle in a level, static ground position (curb height).





2. Remove the wheel and tire.
3. Remove and discard the outboard nut and bolt from both upper arms.





4. Remove the stabilizer bar link nut and grommet and the stabilizer bar link.
^ Discard the nut and grommet.
5. Remove and discard the 4 stabilizer bar bracket nuts.
6. Remove the 2 stabilizer bar brackets and the 2 stabilizer bar bushings.
7. 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.





8. Disconnect the fuel filler pipe tube-to-fuel pressure sensor line quick connect coupling.
9. Unclip the fuel filler pipe tube-to-fuel pressure sensor line from the fuel tank and position aside.

10. CAUTION: 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
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 stabilizer bar bracket nuts.
^ Tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
7. Using the jack, 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 (curb height) in Removal.
8. Install the stabilizer bar link and new link nut and grommet.
^ Tighten the nut to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).

9. CAUTION: The upper arm outboard bolts must be installed with the bolt head toward the front of the vehicle or wheel damage may occur.

Install the 2 upper arm outboard bolts and the 2 upper arm outboard nuts.
^ Tighten to 225 Nm (166 lb-ft).
10. Remove the jack.
11. Install the wheel and tire.