Ford Focus Service Manual: Lower Arm

NOTE:

Vehicles with 15- or 16-inch wheels shown, vehicles with 17-inch wheels similar.

Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure correct retention of these parts.

1. Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Section  204-04.

1. NOTICE: Do not use a prying device or separator fork between the ball joint and the wheel knuckle. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may result. Only use the pry bar by inserting it into the lower control arm body opening.

   NOTICE: Use care when releasing the lower arm and wheel knuckle into the resting position or damage to the ball joint seal may occur.

   Remove and discard the ball joint nut and bolt. Insert a pry bar in the lower arm body opening, separate the lower arm from the wheel knuckle and remove the ball joint heat shield.

1. Remove the lower arm bushing bracket nuts, bolts and the bracket.
   • Discard the nuts and bolts.

1. Remove and discard the lower arm forward nut and bolt and remove the lower arm.

Installation

1. NOTICE: To prevent incorrect clamp load or component damage, install the fasteners in their original orientation. Install the lower arm bushing clamp bolts with their heads facing down.

   NOTE:

   Do not tighten the nuts and bolts at this time.

   Position the lower arm and loosely install the new forward nut and bolt and the 2 new bracket nuts and bolts.

1. NOTICE: Make sure the ball joint heat shield is installed on the ball joint stud or damage to the ball joint may occur.

   Install the heat shield.

1. Insert the ball joint stud into the wheel knuckle and install the new ball joint bolt and nut.
   • Tighten to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).

1. Install the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Section  204-04.

1. Lower the hoist so the weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheels and tires.

1. Tighten the lower arm forward bolt to 215 Nm (159 lb-ft).

1. Tighten the lower arm inboard bracket nut to 160 Nm (118 lb-ft).

1. Tighten the lower arm outboard bracket nut to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).

1. Check and, if necessary, align the front end. For additional information, refer to Section  204-00.