Ford Ecosport: Rear Suspension - AWD / Removal and Installation - Wheel Knuckle - Vehicles With: Rear Drum Brakes

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

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

   NOTICE: Make sure that the ball joint ball does not rotate.

   Remove and discard the upper arm to wheel knuckle nut.
   Torque:
     Stage 1:  177 lb.in (20 Nm)
     Stage 2:  90°

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

   NOTICE: Make sure that the ball joint ball does not rotate.

   Remove and discard the lower arm to wheel knuckle nut.
   Torque:
     Stage 1:  177 lb.in (20 Nm)
     Stage 2:  90°

1. Remove the spring.
   Refer to: Spring (204-02B Rear Suspension - AWD, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Using a screwdriver, bend the cable union tab upward and then disconnect the front cable from the union.
   Use the General Equipment: Flat-Bladed Screwdriver

1. Detach the front parking brake cable.
   

1. Remove the bolt and position aside the parking brake cable.
   Torque: 25 lb.in (2.8 Nm)

1. Remove the retainer and position aside the rear wheel speed sensor and brake hose.
   Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)

1. Remove the brake backing plate.
   

1. 
   
   1. Remove and discard the parking brake cable bolt and position aside the brake cable.
      Torque: 18 lb.ft (25 Nm)
   2. Remove and discard the rear stabilizer link upper nut.
      Torque: 35 lb.ft (48 Nm)
   3. Remove and discard the rear shock absorber lower nut and bolt.
      Torque: 76 lb.ft (103 Nm)
   4. Remove and discard the wheel nuckle front mounting bracket bolts and remove the wheel knuckle.
      Torque: 76 lb.ft (103 Nm)

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   

1. Check and if necessary adjust the parking brake cable.
   Refer to: Parking Brake Cable Adjustment - Vehicles With: Rear Drum Brakes (206-05 Parking Brake and Actuation, General Procedures).
   

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