2000 Mercury MOUNTAINEER

Submodel: | Engine Type: V8 | Liters: 5.0

Fuel Delivery: FI | Fuel: GAS

SECTION 204-01A: Front Suspension 4x2

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

2000 Explorer/Mountaineer Workshop Manual

Procedure revision date: 05/12/2003

Arm Lower
Special Tool(s)
Installer/Remover C-Frame and Screw
211-023 (T74P-3044-A1)

Removal

1.

WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be
accomplished by turning off the air suspension switch located in the rear jack storage area. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation or
deflation of the air springs or shocks, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist; for additional information, refer to Section 100-02.

2.

Remove the wheel and tire assembly; for additional information, refer to Section 204-04.

3.

Remove the stabilizer link nut, washer and bushing.

4.

Remove the front shock absorber-to-front suspension lower arm nuts.

5.

Remove the torsion bar; for additional information, refer to Bar Torsion in this section.

6.

Remove the lower ball joint castellated nut.

7.

1.

Remove the lower ball joint cotter pin.

2.

Remove the lower ball joint castellated nut.

CAUTION: Do not use a hammer to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle will result.
CAUTION: Do not damage the ball joint boot while installing the special tool.
Using the special tool, separate the front suspension lower arm from the front wheel knuckle/spindle.

8.

Remove the front suspension lower arm.

1.

Remove the front suspension lower arm bolts and nuts.

2.

Remove the front suspension lower arm.

Installation

1.

NOTE: Tighten the front suspension lower arm pivot bolts and nuts until snug. Do not tighten to specification until the installation procedure is complete.
NOTE: Inspect the front suspension lower arm ball joints and boot seals for damage.
Install the front suspension lower arm.

2.

1.

Position the front suspension lower arm to the front suspension crossmember.

2.

Install the pivot bolts and nuts and tighten until snug.

CAUTION: Install the cotter pin into the lower ball joint from outboard to inboard with the fingers bent together at a right angle. Failure to do so will cause
damage to the wheel and tire assembly.
Connect the front suspension lower arm to the front wheel knuckle/spindle.
1.

Position the lower ball joint into the front wheel knuckle/spindle.

2.

Install the new castellated nut.

3.

Install a new cotter pin.

3.

Install the front shock absorber-to-front suspension lower arm nuts.

4.

Install the stabilizer link bushing, washer, and nut.

5.

NOTE: Whenever the torsion bar or torsion bar adjuster is removed, the vehicle ride height must be checked. For additional information, refer to Ride Height in this section.
Install the torsion bar; for additional information, refer to Bar Torsion in this section.

6.

7.

Install the tire and wheel assembly; for additional information, refer to Section 204-04.

NOTE: If equipped with air suspension, reactivate the system by turning on the air suspension switch.
Lower the vehicle.

8.

Tighten the front suspension lower arm nuts.

9.

Inspect and adjust the front end alignment; for additional information, refer to Section 204-00.