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Home >> Ford >> 2015 >> Explorer Limited, 3.5L Eng VIN 8, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Body & Frame >> Frames, Subframes & Crossmembers >> Uni-Body, SUBFRAME And Mounting System >> Removal And Installation >> Subframe - Front >> Removal

Subframe - Front: Removal

NOTE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect 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. 1.

    NOTE: Use a steering wheel holding device (such as Hunter® 28-75-1 or equivalent).

    Using a suitable holding device, hold the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position.

GFD34444Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 2.

    Remove the wheels and tires. REFER to Wheels and Tires .

  1. 3.

    If equipped, remove the 3 retainers and the underbody air duct.
GFD34445Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 4.

    If equipped, remove the 4 retainers and the underbody shield.
GFD34061Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 5.

    NOTE: Right Hand(RH) shown in illustration, Left Hand(LH) similar.

    Remove the 2 RH and 2 LH lower pin-type retainers from the engine splash shields and position the shields aside.

GFD37946Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 6.

    Vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engine, remove the engine exhaust Y-pipe. EXHAUST Y-PIPE -- 3.5L TI-VCT . Vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engine, remove the RH and LH exhaust flexible pipes. EXHAUST FLEXIBLE PIPE -- LH, 3.5L GTDI , or EXHAUST FLEXIBLE PIPE -- RH, 3.5L GTDI .

  1. 7.

    Remove and discard the 4 stabilizer bar bracket-to-front subframe bolts.

  1. 8.

    NOTE: The hex-holding feature can be used to prevent turning of the stud while removing the outer tie-rod end nuts.
    NOTE: RH shown in illustration, LH similar.

    Remove and discard both outer tie-rod end nuts.

    • Separate both outer tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckles.
GFD37947Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 9.

    NOTE: Use care when releasing the lower arm and knuckle into the resting position or damage to the ball joint seal or Constant Velocity(CV) boot may occur.
    NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stud from turning while removing the lower ball joint nuts.
    NOTE: RH shown in illustration, LH similar.

    Remove and discard both lower ball joint nuts.

    • Separate both lower ball joints from the wheel knuckles.
GFD33821Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 10.

    If equipped, remove the flap heat shield bolt and position the flap heat shield to access the Electronic Power Assist Steering(EPAS) electrical connectors.

  1. 11.

    1. Remove the bolt.
    2. Disconnect the 2 EPAS  electrical connectors.
    3. Unclip the EPAS  harness pushpins and position the harness aside.
G00671337Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

  1. 12.

    NOTE: Do not allow the steering column to rotate while the steering column shaft is disconnected from the steering gear or damage to the clockspring may occur. If there is evidence that the steering column has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. CLOCKSPRING .

    Remove and discard the steering column shaft bolt and disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear.

GFD37949Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 13.

    NOTE: Front Wheel Drive(FWD) shown in illustration, All-Wheel Drive(AWD) Similar.

    Remove the rear roll restrictor-to-subframe bolt.

GFD37950Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 14.

    If equipped, remove the roll restrictor-to-subframe bolt.
GFD37951Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 15.

    If equipped, unlatch the cooler hose retainer latch. Pry up on the oil cooler hose retainer to release the retainer and remove it from the subframe.
GFD37952Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 16.

    If equipped, remove the 3 PTU cooler line mounting bracket bolts.
GFD37953Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 17.

    Using a wax pencil (or equivalent) apply witness marks to the vehicle and subframe to aid in installation.

  1. 18.

    Position the 300-OTC1585AE under the subframe assembly.
GFD33932Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 19.

    NOTE: RH shown in illustration, LH similar.

    Remove and discard the 4 front subframe bracket bolts.

GFD37954Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 20.

    NOTE: RH shown in illustration, LH similar.

    Remove and discard the 2 front subframe rearward bolts and remove the front subframe brackets.

GFD37955Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 21.

    NOTE: RH shown in illustration, LH similar.

    Remove and discard the 2 front subframe forward bolts.

GFD37956Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY

  1. 22.

    Lower the front subframe assembly from the vehicle.
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