Lincoln Aviator: Front Suspension - AWD / Removal and Installation - Upper Arm

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

204-592 Separator, Lower Arm Ball Joint TKIT-2006C-FFMFLM TKIT-2006C-LM TKIT-2006C-ROW

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. Measure the distance from the center of the hub to the lip of the fender with the vehicle in a level, static ground position (curb height).
   

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

1. NOTICE: Never allow the knuckle to hang from the upper and lower control arms or damage to the ball joints can occur.

   NOTE: Take care not to damage coating on suspension components.

   Support the wheel knuckle assembly using mechanic's wire.
   

1. NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove or install the lower arm outboard nut. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur.

   NOTE: Use the TORX PLUS® holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the upper arm outboard nut. Torx® and TORX PLUS® is a reg. tm of Acument Intellectual Properties, LLC.

   Remove and discard the upper ball joint nut.
   

1. NOTICE: Do not use a hammer, prying device, or separator fork to separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur.

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

   Separate the front upper arm from the wheel Knuckle.
   Use Special Service Tool: 204-592  Separator, Lower Arm Ball Joint.

1. Remove and discard the upper arm-to-frame bolts and nuts and remove the upper arm.
   

Installation

NOTICE: Tighten the suspension fasteners with the weight of the vehicle on the wheels and tires or use a suitable jack to raise the suspension to curb height or damage to the bushings may occur.

1. NOTE: Only tighten the nuts and bolts finger tight at this stage.

   NOTE: Make sure that the mating wheel knuckle face is clean and free of foreign material.

   Position the upper arm and install the new upper arm-to-frame bolts and nuts.
   

1. NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove or install the lower arm outboard nut. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may occur.

   NOTE: Use the TORX PLUS® holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the upper arm outboard nut. Torx® and TORX PLUS® is a reg. tm of Acument Intellectual Properties, LLC.

   Install the upper arm ball joint nut.
   Torque: 41 lb.ft (55 Nm)

1. Use a suitable jack to raise the suspension until the distance between the center of the hub and the lip of the fender is equal to the measurement taken during removal (curb height).
   

1. NOTICE: Tighten the suspension fasteners with the weight of the vehicle on the wheels and tires or use a suitable jack to raise the suspension to curb height or damage to the bushings may occur.

   NOTE: Only tighten the nuts and bolts when the suspension is in the normal drive position.

   Tighten the new upper arm bolts and nuts.
   Torque: 85 lb.ft (115 Nm)

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

1. If equipped with dynamic suspension, calibrate the suspension system. Connect the scan tool and carry out the Ride Height Calibration routine. Follow the scan tool directions.