Ford Fiesta: Front Suspension / Lower Arm. Removal and Installation

Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect 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.

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

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 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 pinch bolt and nut and separate the lower arm from the wheel knuckle.
   

1. Remove and discard the lower arm bolts and remove the lower arm.
   

Installation

1. Only tighten the bolts finger tight at this stage.
   Install the lower arm and the new lower arm bolts.
   

1. Tighten the new rearward lower arm bolt in 2 stages.
   Torque:
     Stage 1:  46 lb.ft (63 Nm)
     Stage 2:  180°

1. Attach the lower arm to the wheel knuckle and install the new ball joint pinch bolt and nut.
   Torque: 38 lb.ft (52 Nm)

1. Support the suspension at curb height.
   

1. Tighten the new lower arm forward bolt in 2 stages.
   Torque:
     Stage 1:  46 lb.ft (63 Nm)
     Stage 2:  180°

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

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