Ford Escape: Uni-Body, Subframe and Mounting System / Removal and Installation - Rear Subframe

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

	300-OTC1585AE Powertrain Lift
Wooden Block

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.

All vehicles

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

1. On both sides.
   Remove the rear stabilizer link.
   Refer to: Rear Stabilizer Bar Link (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove the muffler and tail pipe.
   Refer to: Muffler and Tailpipe (309-00A Exhaust System - 1.5L EcoBoost (132kW/180PS) – I3 (Y1), Removal and Installation).
   Refer to: Muffler and Tailpipe - 4WD (309-00A Exhaust System - 1.5L EcoBoost (132kW/180PS) – I3 (Y1), Removal and Installation).
   Refer to: Muffler and Tailpipe (309-00B Exhaust System - 2.0L EcoBoost (177kW/240PS) – MI4, Removal and Installation).
   Refer to: Muffler and Tailpipe (309-00E) .
   

1. On both sides.
   Remove the springs.
   Refer to: Spring (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
   

1. On both sides.
   Remove and discard the upper arm-to-wheel knuckle bolt.
   

1. On both sides.
   Remove and discard the front lower arm-to-wheel knuckle bolt.
   

1. Remove fasteners and the underbody shield.
   

1. Disconnect the electrical connector and wire retainers.
   

All wheel drive (AWD) vehicles

1. Remove the rear driveshaft.
   Refer to: Rear Driveshaft (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
   

1. On both sides.
   Remove the rear halfshaft.
   Refer to: Rear Halfshaft (205-05 Rear Drive Halfshafts, Removal and Installation).
   

1. 
   
   1. Disconnect the vent hose.
      
   2. Remove the bolt.
      

1. Remove the hose retainers and position aside the vent hose from rear subframe.
   

All vehicles

1. NOTE: Rear mounting location shown.

   On both sides
   Index-mark the subframe to the body.
   

1. NOTE: Front mounting location shown.

   On both sides
   Index-mark the subframe to the body.
   

1. NOTE: FWD shown AWD similar.

   Position a transmission jack under the rear subframe.
   Use Special Service Tool: 300-OTC1585AE  Powertrain Lift.
   Use the General Equipment: Wooden Block

1. NOTE: FWD shown AWD similar.

   Remove and discard the rear subframe bolts.
   

1. NOTE: Make sure that no components catch.

   NOTE: FWD shown AWD similar.

   Lower the rear subframe.
   Use Special Service Tool: 300-OTC1585AE  Powertrain Lift.
   Use the General Equipment: Wooden Block

Installation

All vehicles

1. NOTE: FWD shown AWD similar.

   Raise the rear subframe and position it to the vehicle.
   Use Special Service Tool: 300-OTC1585AE  Powertrain Lift.
   Use the General Equipment: Wooden Block

1. NOTE: Rear mounting location shown.

   On both sides
   Align index-mark made during removal.
   

1. NOTE: Front mounting location shown.

   On both sides
   Align index-mark made during removal.
   

1. NOTE: FWD shown AWD similar.

   Install the bolts.
   Torque: 85 lb.ft (115 Nm)

All wheel drive (AWD) vehicles

1. Remove the hose retainers and position aside the vent hose from rear subframe.
   

1. 
   
   1. Connect the vent hose.
      
   2. Install the bolt.
      Torque: 106 lb.in (12 Nm)

1. On both sides.
   Install the rear halfshaft.
   Refer to: Rear Halfshaft (205-05 Rear Drive Halfshafts, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Install the rear driveshaft.
   Refer to: Rear Driveshaft (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
   

All vehicles

1. Connect the electrical connector and wire retainer.
   

1. Install the underbody shield and the fasteners.
   Torque: 17 lb.in (1.9 Nm)

1. NOTE: Finger tight only at this stage.

   On both sides.
   Install the new front lower arm-to-wheel knuckle bolt.
   

1. NOTE: Finger tight only at this stage.

   On both sides.
   Install the new upper arm-to-wheel knuckle bolt.
   

1. On both sides.
   Install the rear spring.
   Refer to: Spring (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
   

1. NOTICE: Tighten the suspension bushing fasteners with the suspension loaded or with the weight of the vehicle resting on the wheels and tires, or incorrect clamp load and bushing damage may occur.

   On both sides.
   Tighten the front lower arm-to-wheel knuckle bolt.
   Torque: 85 lb.ft (115 Nm)

1. NOTICE: Tighten the suspension bushing fasteners with the suspension loaded or with the weight of the vehicle resting on the wheels and tires, or incorrect clamp load and bushing damage may occur.

   On both sides.
   Tighten the upper arm-to-wheel knuckle bolt.
   Torque: 85 lb.ft (115 Nm)

1. On both sides. Install the rear stabilizer bar link.
   Refer to: Rear Stabilizer Bar Link (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Install the muffler and tail pipe.
   Refer to: Muffler and Tailpipe (309-00A Exhaust System - 1.5L EcoBoost (132kW/180PS) – I3 (Y1), Removal and Installation).
   Refer to: Muffler and Tailpipe - 4WD (309-00A Exhaust System - 1.5L EcoBoost (132kW/180PS) – I3 (Y1), Removal and Installation).
   Refer to: Muffler and Tailpipe (309-00B Exhaust System - 2.0L EcoBoost (177kW/240PS) – MI4, Removal and Installation).
   Refer to: Muffler and Tailpipe (309-00E) .
   

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

1. Check and, if necessary, adjust rear toe.
   Refer to: Rear Toe Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).