Ford Escape: Front Suspension / Removal and Installation - Front Strut and Spring Assembly

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.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

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

1. NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove or install the stabilizer bar link nuts. Damage to the stabilizer bar link ball joints and boots may occur.

   NOTE: Use the TORX PLUS® holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the lower arm outboard nut. Torx® and TORX PLUS® is a reg. tm of Acument Intellectual Properties, LLC.

   NOTE: The stabilizer bar links are designed with low friction ball joints that have a low breakaway torque.

   Remove and discard the upper stabilizer bar link nut and position aside the stabilizer bar link.
   

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   1. NOTICE: Note the routing of the lines and hoses.

      Remove the bolt and position aside the brake hose.
      
   2. Unclip the 2 wire retainers and position aside the wheel speed sensor wiring harness.
      

1. Remove and discard the 2 front strut and spring assembly-to-wheel knuckle bolts and nuts.
   

1. Remove the cowl panel grille.
   Refer to: Cowl Panel Grille (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove cowl panel grille support bracket retainers and bracket.
   

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   1. Remove and discard the 3 top front strut and spring assembly mounting bolts.
      

   2. NOTICE: Make sure that no load is placed on the brake hose.

      NOTICE: Never allow the knuckle to hang from the upper and lower control arms or damage to the ball joints can occur.

      NOTE: Take care not to damage coating on suspension components.

      Support the wheel knuckle assembly using mechanic's wire.
      
   3. Remove the front strut and spring assembly.
      

Installation

NOTICE: Tighten the suspension fasteners with the weight of the vehicle on the wheels and tires or use a suitable jack to raise the suspension to curb height or damage to the bushings may occur.

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   

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   1. Position the front strut and spring assembly into the wheel knuckle.
      
   2. Install the new front strut and spring assembly upper bolts.
      Torque: 26 lb.ft (35 Nm)

1. Install the new front strut and spring assembly-to-wheel knuckle bolts and nuts.
   Torque:
     Stage 1:  103 lb.ft (140 Nm)
     Stage 2:  120°

1. Install the cowl panel grille support bracket and retainers.
   Torque: 22 lb.in (2.5 Nm)

1. Install the cowl panel grille.
   Refer to: Cowl Panel Grille (501-02 Front End Body Panels, Removal and Installation).
   

1. 
   

   1. NOTICE: Make sure that the brake hose is not twisted and is correctly located.

      Position the brake hose and install the bolt.
      Torque: 97 lb.in (11 Nm)
   2. Position the wheel speed sensor wiring harness and clip the 2 wire retainers.
      

1. NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove or install the stabilizer bar link nuts. Damage to the stabilizer bar link ball joints and boots may occur.

   NOTE: Use the TORX PLUS® holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the lower arm outboard nut. Torx® and TORX PLUS® is a reg. tm of Acument Intellectual Properties, LLC.

   NOTE: The stabilizer bar links are designed with low friction ball joints that have a low breakaway torque.

   Position the front stabilizer bar link and install the new front stabilizer bar link upper nut.
   Torque: 81 lb.ft (110 Nm)

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

1. For additional information on the disassembly and assembly of the strut and spring assembly.
   Refer to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Disassembly and Assembly).