Stabilizer Bar: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Focus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES .

NOTE: Make sure the road wheels are in the straight ahead position.

Fig 1: Centralizing The Steering

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Centralize the steering and lock it in position.
Disconnect the steering column shaft from the steering gear pinion extension.
1. Remove the bolt.
2. Release the pinion shaft extension from the steering column.
  - Discard the bolt.
Fig 2: Disconnecting Steering Column Shaft From Steering Gear Pinion Extension
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the front wheels and tires. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .

CAUTION: Leave the tie-rod end retaining nut in place to protect the ball joint stud.

Fig 3: Loosening Tie-Rod End Retaining Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Loosen the tie-rod end retaining nuts (LH side shown).

CAUTION: Protect the ball joint seal using a soft cloth to prevent damage.

Fig 4: Removing Tie-Rod Ends From Wheel Knuckles

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the special tool, detach the tie-rod ends from the wheel knuckles.
- Discard the retaining nuts.
Detach the stabilizer bar connecting links from the stabilizer bar (LH side shown).

Fig 5: Detaching Stabilizer Bar Links
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Protect the ball joint seal using a soft cloth to prevent damage.

Fig 6: Detaching Lower Arm Ball Joint From Wheel Knuckle

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Detach the lower arm ball joints from the wheel knuckles (LH side shown).
1. Remove the bolt.
2. Detach the lower arm ball joint.
  - Remove the heat shield.
Remove the support insulator to transaxle center bolt.

Fig 7: Removing Support Insulator To Transaxle Center Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a suitable transmission jack, support the crossmember.
Remove the six crossmember bolts (support removed for clarity).

Fig 8: Removing Crossmember Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The power steering lines are attached to the steering gear.

Fig 9: Lowering Crossmember

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Lower the crossmember to gain access to the stabilizer bar.
Remove the stabilizer bar.
1. Remove the bolts.
2. Remove the clamps.
3. Remove the stabilizer bar.
Fig 10: Removing Stabilizer Bar
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the stabilizer bar bushings.

Fig 11: Removing Stabilizer Bar Bushings
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.