1969 FORD MUSTANG wheels

03-01-08
Suspension
—
Steering,
Wheels
And
Tires
—
General Service

03-01-08

3.
Remove the lower (upper on

Mustang and Cougar) cover- to-

housing attaching bolt.

4.
With a clean punch or like in-

strument, clean out or push inward

the loose lubricant in the filler plug

hole and cover to housing attaching

bolt hole.
5.
Slowly turn the steering wheel to

the left stop, lubricant should rise

within the lower cover bolt hole; then

slowly turn the steering wheel to the

right stop, lubricant should rise within

the filler plug hole. If lubricant does

not rise in both the cover bolt hole
and the filler plug hole, add lubricant

until it comes out both holes during

this check.

6. Install the lower (upper on

Mustang and Cougar) cover- to-

housing attaching bolt and the filler

plug.

CLEANING
AND
INSPECTION

FRONT
END
GENERAL

INSPECTION

Do not check and adjust front

wheel alignment without first making

the following inspection for front-end

damage, or wear.

1.
Check for specified air pressures

in all four tires.

2.
Raise the front of the vehicle off

the floor. Shake each front wheel

grasping the upper and lower surfaces

of the tire. Check the front suspension

ball joints and mountings for loose-

ness,
wear, and damage. Check the

brake backing plate mountings. Tor-

que all loose nuts and bolts to specifi-

cation. Replace all worn parts as out-

lined in Part 3-2.

3.
Check the steering gear mount-

ings and all steering linkage connec-

tions for looseness. Torque all mount-

ings to specifications. If any of the

linkage is worn or bent, replace the

parts as outlined in Part 3-5.

4.
Check the front wheel bearings.

If any in-and-out free play is noticed,

adjust the bearings to specifications.

Replace worn or damaged bearings as

outlined in Part 3-12.

5.
Spin each front wheel with a

wheel spinner, and check and balance

each wheel as required.

6. Check the action of the shock

absorbers. If the shock absorbers are

not in good condition, the vehicle may

not settle in a normal, level position,

and front wheel alignment may be af-

fected.

WHEEL INSPECTION

Wheel hub nuts should be inspected

and tightened to specification at pre-

delivery. Loose wheel hub nuts may

cause shimmy and vibration. Elongat-

ed stud holes in the wheels may also

result from loose hub nuts.

Keep the wheels and hubs clean.

Stones wedged between the wheel and

drum and lumps of mud or grease can

unbalance a wheel and tire.
Check for damage that would affect

the runout of the wheels. Wobble or

shimmy caused by a damaged wheel

will eventually damage the wheel bear-

ings.
Inspect the wheel rims for dents

that could permit air to leak from the

tires.

UPPER BALL JOINT

INSPECTION

Ford,
Mercury,
Meteor,

Thunderbird,

Lincoln Continental
and

Continental Mark
III

1.
Raise the vehicle and place floor

jacks beneath the lower arms.

2.
Ask an assistant to grasp the

lower edge of the tire and move the

wheel in and out.

3.
As the wheel is being moved in

and out, observe the upper end of the

spindle and the upper arm.

4.
Any movement between the

upper end of the spindle and the upper

arm indicates ball joint wear and loss

of preload. If any such movement is

observed, replace the upper ball joint.

During
the
foregoing
check,
the

lower ball joint will
be
unloaded
and

may
move.
Disregard
all
such
move-

ment
of the
lower ball
joint.
Also,
do

not mistake loose wheel bearings
for a

worn ball
joint.

Cougar,
Fairlane,
Falcon,

Montego
and
Mustang

1.
Raise the vehicle on a frame

contact hoist or by floor jacks placed

beneath the underbody until the wheel

falls to the full down position as

shown in Fig. 18. This will unload the

upper ball joint.

2.
Adjust the wheel bearings as de-

scribed in Part 3-12.

3.
Attach a dial indicator to the

upper arm and position the indicator
so that the plunger rests against the

inner side of the wheel rim adjacent to

the upper arm ball joint.

4.
Grasp the tire at the top and

bottom, and slowly move the tire in

and out (Fig. 18). Note the reading

(radial play) on the dial indicator. If

MAXIMUM TOLERANCE

F
1500-A

FIG.
T8—Measuring Upper Ball

Joint Radial Play

MAXIMUM TOLERANCE

F14
35-A

FIG.
79—Measuring Lower Ball

Joint Radial Playprocarmanuals.com

03-01-09
Suspension — Steering, Wheels And Tires — General Service

03-01-09

the reading exceeds specifications

(Part 3-13), replace the upper ball

joint.

LOWER BALL JOINT

INSPECTION

Ford,
Mercury, Meteor,

Thunderbird, Lincoln Continental

and Continental Mark III

1.
Raise the vehicle and place

jacks under the lower arms as shown

in Fig. 12. This will unload the lower

ball joints.

2.
Adjust the wheel bearings as des-

cribed in Part 3-12.

3.
Attach a dial indicator to the

lower arm and position the indicator

so that the plunger rests against the

inner side of the wheel rim adjacent to

the lower ball joint.

4.
Grasp the tire at the top and

bottom and slowly move the tire in

and out (Fig. 19). Note the reading

(radial play) on the dial indicator. If

the reading exceeds specifications

(Part 3-13), replace the lower ball

joint.

Cougar, Fairlane, Falcon,

Montego, Mustang

1.
Raise the vehicle on a frame

contact hoist or by floor jacks placed

beneath the underbody until the wheel

falls to the full down position.

2.
Ask an assistant to grasp the

lower edge of the tire and move the

wheel in and out.

3.
As the wheel is being moved in

and out, observe the lower end of the

spindle and the lower arm.

4.
Any movement between the

lower end of the spindle and the lower

arm indicates ball joint wear and loss

of preload. If any such movement is

observed, replace the lower arm.

During the foregoing check, the

upper ball joint will be unloaded and

may move. Disregard all such move-

ment of the upper ball joint. Also, do

not mistake loose wheel bearings for a

worn ball joint.

POWER STEERING GEAR

CLEANING

Disassembly and assembly of the

steering gear and. the sub-assemblies

must be made on a clean workbench.

As in repairing any hydraulically op-

erated unit, cleanliness is of utmost
importance. The bench, tools, and

parts must be kept clean at all times.

Thoroughly clean the exterior of the

unit with a suitable solvent and, when

necessary drain as much of the hy-

draulic fluid as possible. Handle all

parts very carefully to avoid nicks,

burrs,
scratches and dirt, which could

make the parts unfit for use.

Do not clean, wash or soak seals in

cleaning solvent.

INSPECTION

1.
Check the sector shaft contact

surface in the cover for wear. If worn,

replace the cover.

2.
Inspect the input shaft bearing

for cracked races and the balls for

looseness, wear, pitting, end play or

other damage. Check the fit of the

bearing on the input shaft. Replace

the bearing, if required.

3.
Inspect the valve housing for

wear, scoring or burrs.

4.
Inspect the tube seats in the

pressure and return ports in the valve

body for nicks, etc. If necessary, re-

move and replace.

5.
Check the sector shaft contact

surface in the housing for wear. If

worn, replace the bushing or the hous-

ing.

6. Check all fluid passages for ob-

struction or leakage.

7.
Inspect the steering gear housing

for cracks, stripped threads, and mat-

ing surfaces for burrs. Inspect the pis-

ton bore of the housing for scoring or

wear. If necessary, replace the hous-

ing.

8. Check the input shaft bearing

after installation to be sure that it ro-

tates freely.

9. If the valve spool is not free in

the valve housing, check for burrs at

the outward edges of the working

lands in the housing and remove with

a hard stone. Check the valve spool

for burrs and if burrs are found, stone

the valve in a radial direction only.

Check for freedom of the valve again.

10.
Check the piston rack teeth and

sector shaft teeth for nicks and burrs.

FLUSHING THE POWER

STEERING SYSTEM—ALL EXCEPT

LINCOLN CONTINENTAL AND

CONTINENTAL MARK III

Should it be necessary to replace an

inoperative power steering pump, the

need for flushing the steering system

is required when installing the new

pump.
1.
Remove the power steering pump

and remove the pulley as outlined in

Part 3-10.

2.
Install the pulley on a new

pump. Install the pump and connect

only the pressure hose to the pump

(Part 3-10).

3.
Place the fluid return line in a

suitable container and plug the reser-

voir return pipe.

4.
Fill the reservoir with lubricant

(C1AZ-19582-A).

5.
Disconnect the coil wire to pre-

vent the engine from starting and raise

the front wheels off the ground.

6. While approximately two quarts

of steering gear fluid are being poured

into the reservoir, turn the engine over

using the ignition key, at the same

time cycle the steering wheel from

stop to stop.

7.
As soon as all of the lubricant

has been poured in, turn off the igni-

tion key, and attach the coil wire.

8. Remove the plug from the reser-

voir return pipe, and attach the return

hose to the reservoir.

9. Check the reservoir fluid level; if

low, add fluid to the proper level. Do

not overfill.

10.
Lower the vehicle.

11.
Start the engine and cycle the

steering from stop to stop to expel

any trapped air from the system.

POWER STEERING PUMP—ALL

EXCEPT LINCOLN

CONTINENTAL AND

CONTINENTAL MARK III

CLEANING

Wash all parts (except seals) in a

Naptha or Chlorinated-type solvent

and dry with compressed air.

Punch or Rod

RELIEF VALVE PLUNGER

G1607-A

FIG.
20—Cleaning Pump Relief Valveprocarmanuals.com

03-01-10
Suspension — Steering, Wheels And Tires — General Service

03-01-10

The following procedure should be

followed when cleaning the relief valve

which is a part of the pump valve as-

sembly.

1.
Using a punch or rod of suitable

diameter, apply an even pressure in a

straight line to the tip of the relief

valve pin (Fig. 20). Depress the valve

two or three times to exhaust the oil

which is trapped in the assembly. Do

not hammer on the valve pin or hous-

ing.

2.
Submerge the assembly in a con-

tainer of clean solvent. Again applying

an even pressure to the tip of the relief

valve pin, (a sudden strong force could

push the pin through the relief valve

spool) move the valve in and out sev-

eral times, thereby thoroughly flushing

the assembly. Pressure created within

the valve bore when the valve is moved

inward should force the cleaning fluid

out through the sensing orifice. If this

does not occur, the sensing orifice

should be cleaned with a piece of wire.

The valve must move freely and even-

ly. If the pin is bent or damaged, or if

the valve binds, the pump valve must

be replaced.

INSPECTION

The following describes the compo-

nents of the power steering pump

which must be replaced regardless of

condition and how to determine when

other components should be replaced.

The outlet fitting hex nut may be

reused if the corners of the hex are

not rounded. The housing bolts may

be reused if the threads are not dam-

aged.

All gaskets and seals must be re-

placed with new components except

the rotor shaft seal which should be

reused unless it was leaking.

The reservoir assembly may be

reused if the reservoir seal and gasket

areas are not damaged (dents, scratch-

es,
etc.). The soldered joints of the re-

turn and fill tubes must not be loose

or bent. Be sure to check for a broken

baffle.

The housing or housing assembly

may be reused if there is no damage

(scratches, etc.) at reservoir gasket,

outlet fitting or cover seal areas.

If the outlet fitting is damaged, the

pump housing must be replaced. The

pressure plate springs may be reused

providing they are not bent, broken or

have not taken a set.

Do not reuse the retainer end plate

if it is burred or damaged. The upper

pressure plate may be reused if there

is no scoring on the wear surface. It is

acceptable to polish the phosphate

coating.
The rotor and cam assembly can be

reused if there is no wear other than

the removal of the phosphate coating

on the cam contour. Do not disas-

semble the rotor and cam assembly.

Push the rotor part way out the cam

insert taking care not to let the slip-

pers and springs fall out. Check the

cam ID for scoring and burning.

Check the rotor faces and OD for

scoring and chipping. Do not attempt

to repair or refinish the lower and

upper pressure plates, cam or rotor

assembly. When wear or burning is

encountered, replace, them with new

components.

Install a new rotor and cam assem-

bly if the slippers are worn. Replace

the springs if they are bent or broken.

Polishing the phosphate coating of the

slipper sealing surface is permissable.

The rotor shaft can be reused if the

front and rear thrust faces, the bush-

ing diameter and the shaft seal diame-

ter are not excessively worn or scored.

The housing plate and bushing as-

sembly may be reused if all of the

threaded holes are not damaged

beyond repair and the bushing diame-

ter is not scored or worn .0005 inch

over the maximum dimension of .6897

inch. Threaded holes can be repaired

by drilling out the damaged threads

and installing a helicoil insert. If the

bushing is scored or excessively worn,

a new plate and bushing assembly

must be installed.

With Tool T69P-3D608-A (using a

dial indicator) check the squareness of

the fixed dowel pin in the plate (Fig.

21).
The pin must be square with the

adjacent surface within .001 inch per

inch through a 180 degree arch.

A bent or broken dowel pin can be

replaced as follows:
1.
Hold the plate assembly in a

horizontal position and grip at least

an inch of the dowel pin in a vise. Tap

the plate with a plastic or a rubber

hammer to pull the pin from the

plate.

2.
Insert the support guide (Tool

T69P-3D608-B) over a dowel pin (Fig.

22) and press the pin into the plate to

a height of 1.68 inch (See Fig. 23).

The support guide tool will serve as a

stop guide. Be careful not to bend the

new dowel pin during installation.

3.
Again use Tool T69P-3D608-A

(with a dial indicaator) to check the

dowel pin squareness as outlined

above.

POWER STEERING PUMP

INSPECTION—LINCOLN

CONTINENTAL AND

CONTINENTAL MARK III

1.
Wash all parts in clean solvent

and dry them with clean cloths or

compressed air.

2.
Inspect the rotor shaft for wear,

scoring, nicks, or burrs. Replace the

shaft if it is damaged or if the inner

keyway is damaged.

Tool
T69P-3D608-B

G1609-A

FIG. 22—Dowel Pin Insertion

Tool
T69P-3D608-A

G1608-A

FIG. 21—Dowel Pin Squareness

Check
FIG. 23 — Replacing Dowel Pinprocarmanuals.com

03-01-11
Suspension — Steering, Wheels And Tires — General Service

03-01-11

3.
Inspect the rotor, rollers, cam

ring, pressure plate, cover, and bush-

ing in the pressure plate for wear or

scoring. If damaged, replacement of

the pump (less housing) is required.

4.
Make sure the inner faces of the

cover and the housing are free of

paint, nicks, or burrs. Check all fluid

passages for restrictions.

5.
Inspect the valving surfaces

(areas where the rotor and rollers con-

tact) for wear or scoring. Replace the

pressure plate or the cover if worn or

scored. Inspect the bushing in the

pressure plate for wear or scoring, and

replace the plate if necessary.

6. Inspect the control valve for

scores, nicks, or burred edges. Re-

place the valve if damaged. Do not dis-

assemble the valve. Check the valve

for free movement in the housing

bore.

7.
Inspect the tube seat in the hous-

ing. If damaged, remove it with an

E-Z-Out and install a new seat.

SHOCK ABSORBER CHECKS

All vehicles are equipped with hy-

draulic shock absorbers of the direct-

acting type and are nonadjustable and

nonrefillable. They cannot be repaired.
Before replacing a shock absorber,

check the action of the shock absor-

bers as follows:

ON VEHICLE TESTS

1.
Check the shock absorber to be

sure it is securely and properly in-

stalled. Check the shock absorber in-

sulators for damage and wear.

Replace any defective insulators and

tighten attachments to the specified

torque (on a shock absorber which in-

corporates integral insulators, replace

the shock absorbers).

2.
Inspect the shock absorber for

evidence of fluid leakage. A light film

of fluid is permissible. Be sure any

fluid observed is not from sources

other than the shock absorber.

Replace the shock absorber if leak-

age is severe.

3.
Disconnect the lower end of the

shock absorber. Extend and compress

the shock absorber as fast as possible,

using as much travel as possible.

Action should become smooth and

uniform throughout each stroke.

Higher resistance on extension than

on compression is a normal condition.

Faint swish noises are also normal.

Remove the shock absorber for a

bench test if action is erratic. If the
action is smooth, but the shock absor-

bers are suspected of being weak fol-

low step 4:

4.
Repeat step 3 on the mating

shock absorber installed on the oppo-

site side of the vehicle, and compare

results of both tests. If the action is

similar, it is unlikely that either shock

absorber is defective. Reconnect both

shock absorbers.

Replace the shock absorber having

the lower resistance. Ensure that the

part number of the replacement is the

same as that of the original shock ab-

sorber. The replacement shock absor-

ber resistance will appear to be higher

than either original due to initial fric-

tion of the rod seal.

BENCH TEST

With the shock absorber right side

up (as installed in vehicle), extend it

fully. Then turn the shock absorber

upside down and fully compress it.

Repeat this procedure at least three

times to ensure that any entrapped air

has been expelled. Now place the

shock absorber right side up in a vise,

and hand stroke the shock absorber as

described in On Vehicle Tests, step 3.

If action is not now smooth and uni-

form, install a new shock absorber.procarmanuals.com

03-02-11
Suspension

03-02-11

nuts to specification. Make sure that

the joint is completely filled with the

specified lubricant.

9. Guide the ball joint stud into the

spindle. Install the stud nut and tor-

que it to specification. Continue to

tighten the nut to line up the cotter

pin hole. Install the cotter pin.

10.
Install the wheel and tire. Tor-

que the wheel nuts to specification.

STABILIZER REPAIR

FORD, MERCURY,

METEOR, THUNDERBIRD,

CONTINENTAL MARK III

To replace the end bushings on each

stabilizer link, use the following pro-

cedure.

1.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist.

2.
Remove the nut, washer and in-

sulator from the lower end of the sta-

bilizer bar attaching bolt.

3.
Remove the bolt and the remain-

ing washers(3) insulators (3) and the

spacer.

4.
Assemble a flat washer and a

new insulator on the bolt.

5.
Insert the bolt through the stabi-

lizer bar then install a new insulator

and a flat washer on it.

6. Install the spacer, flat washer

and another new insulator on the bolt

(Fig. 1).

7.
Insert the bolt through the lower

arm and install a new insulator and a

flat washer. Install and torque the at-

taching nut to specification.

COUGAR, FAIRLANE,

FALCON, MONTEGO,

MUSTANG

1.
Raise the vehicle high enough to

provide working space, and place sup-

ports under both front wheels.

2.
Disconnect the stabilizer from

each link. Disconnect both stabilizer

attaching brackets, and remove the

stabilizer.

3.
Coat the necessary parts of the

stabilizer with RUGLYDE or a com-

parable lubricant, and slide new insu-

lators onto the stabilizer.

4.
Secure each end of the stabilizer

bar to the lower arm making sure that

the bolt head is at the top (Fig. 2) to

eliminate interference with the brake

hose.

5.
Remove the supports and lower

the vehicle.
FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER

ARM STRUT AND/OR

BUSHING

FORD, MERCURY,

METEOR, THUNDERBIRD,

CONTINENTAL MARK III

1.
Remove the cotter pin from the

lower arm strut at the frame front

crossmember and remove the nut,

washer, and bushing from the strut.

2.
Remove nuts, washers, and bolts

attaching the strut and rubber bumper

to the lower arm (Fig. 1).

3.
Pull the strut from the frame

crossmember.

4.
Remove the crossmember rear

side bushing and washer from the

strut.

5.
Place the crossmember rear side

washer and bushing on the strut and

position the strut to the frame and

lower arm.

6. Position the rubber bumper on

the strut and install the bolts, washer,

and nuts attaching the strut to the

lower arm. Torque the nuts and bolts

to specification.

7.
Install the bushing, washer, and

nut on the strut at the front cross-

member. Tighten the nut and install

the cotter pin.

8. Check caster, camber, and toe-in

and adjust if necessary.

LOWER ARM STRUT AND/OR

BUSHING REPLACEMENT

COUGAR, FAIRLANE,

FALCON, MONTEGO,

MUSTANG

1.
Position the support as shown in

Figs.
8 and 9 under the upper arm.
2.
Raise the vehicle, position safety

stands, and remove the wheel and tire.

3.
Remove the cotter pin, castelated

nut and the adjustment nut from the

front of the strut.

4.
With two pry bars approximately

18 inches long, one at each side and at

the rear of the front washer, pry it

forward to separate the inner sleeve

from the outer sleeve. Remove the

front insulator from the strut (Fig.

26).

5.
Install the new rear washer

(large ID), outer sleeve and insulator

bushing on the forward end of the

strut rod.

6. Position the strut into the

crossmember and to the lower suspen-

sion arm. Install the strut-to-arm at-

taching bolts and nuts, and torque

them to specification.

7.
Install the forward insulator

washer (small ID), inner sleeve and

adjustment nut on the forward end of

the strut. The inner sleeve need not be

crimped to the outer sleeve.

8. Install the wheel and tire, re-

move the safety stands and lower the

vehicle. Remove the tool supporting

the upper arm.

9. Adjust the caster and camber to

specification.

10.
Install the castellated nut and

cotter pin.

DRIVE SHAFT PINION

ANGLE ADJUSTMENT

FORD, MERCURY,

METEOR, THUNDERBIRD,

CONTINENTAL MARK III

The pinion-drive shaft working

angle must be checked and adjusted to

ADJUSTING

SCREW

F1432- A
F1503-A

FIG. 14—Alignment Spacer

Installation
FIG. 75—Positioning Tool On

U-Jointprocarmanuals.com

03-02-16
Suspension

03-02-16

2.
Place a jack under the outer end

of the arm.

3.
Tape the upper and lower spring

insulators to the spring.

4.
Compress the coil spring with

Tool 5310-A (Fig. 23) and place the

spring and insulators in position. Be

sure both ends of the spring are prop-

erly seated, and raise the arm. Guide

the spindle boss over the ball joint

stud.

5.
Install the ball joint stud retain-

ing nut and torque it to specification.

Continue tightening the nut to line up

the cotter pin hole. Install a new cot-

ter pin.

6. Connect the stabilizer bar to the

lower arm. Torque the nut to specifi-

cation.

7.
Connect the drag strut to the

lower arm. Torque the nuts to specifi-

cation.

8. Install the shock absorber.

9. Tighten the splash shield attach-

ing bolts to specifications.

10.
Install the hub and rotor on the

spindle and adjust the wheel bearings.

11.
Install the caliper to the spindle

and tighten the attaching bolts to

specifications. Check for the correct

flexible hose routing (Part 2-2).

12.
Install the wheel and tire on the

hub.
Torque the wheel lug nuts to

specifications and remove the support

stands.

13.
With the front end weight of

the car on the wheels, torque the

lower arm-to-crossmember bolt at-

taching nut to specification.

FRONT SUSPENSION

LOWER ARM

FORD, MERCURY,

METEOR, THUNDERBIRD,

CONTINENTAL MARK III

Removal

1.
Raise the front of the vehicle and

position safety stands under both sides

of the frame just back of the lower

arms.

2.
Remove the hub cap or wheel

cover.

3.
If equipped with drum type

brakes—Remove the wheel and tire

and brake drum as an assembly. Re-

move the brake backing plate attach-

ing bolts and remove the backing

plate from the spindle. Wire the back-

ing plate to the underbody to prevent

damage to the brake hose.

4.
If equipped with disc brakes-

—Remove the wheel and tire from the
•Tool—5310-A

F 1491-A

FIG. 23—Coil Spring Compressed

for Installation

F1437-A

FIG. 24—Removing Front Spring

—Lower Arm Replacement

hub.
Remove 2 bolts and washers that

attach the caliper and brake hose to

the spindle. Remove the caliper from

the rotor and wire it to the underbody

to prevent damage to the brake hose.

Then, remove the hub and rotor from

the spindle.

5.
Disconnect the lower end of the

shock absorber, and push it up to the

retracted position.

6. Disconnect the stabilizer bar link

from the lower arm.

7.
Remove the cotter pins from the

upper and lower ball joint stud nuts.

8. Remove 2 bolts and nuts attach-

ing the strut to the lower arm.

9. Loosen the lower ball joint stud

nut one or two turns. Do not remove

the nut from the stud at this time.

10.
Install Tool T57P-3OO6-A bet-

ween the upper and lower ball joint

studs (Fig. 7). The tool should be

seated firmly against the ends of both

studs and not against the stud nuts.

11.
With a wrench, turn the adapter

screw until the tool places the stud

under tension. Tap the spindle near

the lower stud with a hammer to loos-
en the stud in the spindle. Do not

loosen the stud from the spindle with

tool pressure only.

12.
Position a floor jack under the

lower arm (Fig. 24) and remove the

lower ball joint stud nut.

13.
Lower the floor jack and re-

move the sprina and insulator (Fie.

25).

14.
Remove one nut and bolt at-

taching the lower control arm to the

No.
2 crossmember and remove the

lower arm (Fig. 24).

Installation

1.
Position the lower arm to the

No.
2 crossmember and loosely install

the attaching bolt and nut (Fig. 1).

2.
Position the spring and insulator

to the upper spring pad and lower

arm. Using a floor jack, compress the

spring and guide the lower ball joint

stud into the spindle hole.

3.
Install the ball joint stud attach-

ing nut and torque to specification.

Continue to tighten the nut until the

cotter pin hole is in line with the nut

slots.
Install a cotter pin in the upper

and lower ball joint studs.

4.
Pull the shock absorber down

and connect it to the lower arm.

5.
Position the strut and bumper to

the lower arm. Install the attaching

bolts and nuts and torque to specifica-

tion.

6. Torque the lower arm to No. 2

crossmember attaching bolt and nut to

specifications.

7.
Position the stabilizer bar link to

the lower arm and install the attach-

ing nuts.

8. If equipped with drum type

brakes—Position the brake backing

plate to the spindle and install the at-

taching bolts. Torque the bolts to spe-

cification. Adjust the brakes as out-

lined in Group 2. Install the wheel,

tire,
and drum to the spindle and ad-

just the wheel bearings as outlined in

Part 3-12.

If equipped with disc brakes-Install

the hub and rotor on the spindle.

Position the caliper over the rotor and

install the attaching bolts. Torque the

bolts to specification. Install the

wheel and tire on the wheel hub and

adjust the wheel bearings as outlined in

Part 3-12.

9. Install the hub cap or wheel

cover.

10.
Remove the safety stands and'

lower the vehicle.

11.
Check the caster, camber, and

toe-in and adjust as required (Section

2,
Part 3-1).procarmanuals.com

03-02-19

Suspension

03-02-19

6. Raise the upper arm to free the

ball joint stud from the spindle. Wire

the upper end of the spindle to the un-

derbody to prevent damage to the

brake hose.

7.
Mark the position of the upper

arm shaft on the underbody member

to facilitate making caster and camber

adjustments after installation of the

upper arm.

8. Remove the suspension upper

arm-to-underbody attaching bolts,

lock washers, and attaching nuts.

Then, remove the upper arm.

Installation

1.
Position the upper arm shaft on

the underbody member. Line up the

shaft with the marks made before re-

moval of the arm.

2.
Install the attaching bolts and

lock washers. FABRICATE A

TOOL, AS SHOWN IN Fig. 27, to

hold the nut in place while starting the

attaching bolt into the nut. Remove

the tool; then, tighten the attaching

bolts to specification.

3.
Guide the ball joint stud into the

spindle. Install the attaching nut and

torque it to specification. Continue

tightening the nut to line up the cotter

pin hole. Install a new cotter pin.

4.
Install the wheel and tire, and

torque the wheel lug nuts to specifica-

tion.

5.
With the front end weight of the

car on the wheels, torque the bolts at

the ends of the upper arm shaft to

specification if the bushings were re-

placed.

6. Check the front wheel alignment.

FRONT WHEEL SPINDLE

FORD, MERCURY,

METEOR, THUNDERBIRD,

CONTINENTAL MARK III

Removal

1.
Raise the vehicle until the front

wheel clears the floor, and place a

support under the frame.

2.
Remove the hub cap or wheel

cover.

3.
If equipped with drum type

brakes—remove the wheel and tire

and brake drum as an assembly (Part

3-12). Remove the brake backing

plate attaching bolts and remove the

backing plate from the spindle. Wire

the backing plate to the underbody to

prevent damage to the brake hose.
1/16" GAUGE
-*.

STEEL (REFERENCE)

—3/16'
3/8'

1/2" DIAMETER PLUG WELD

F 1501-A

FIG. 27 -Upper Arm Shaft Installing Tool

4.
If equipped with disc brakes—re-

move the wheel and tire from the hub.

Remove 2 bolts and washers retaining

the caliper and brake hose to the

spindle. Remove the caliper from the

rotor and wire it to the underbody to

prevent damage to the brake hose.

Then, remove the hub and rotor from

the spindle (Part 3-12). Remove 3

bolts attaching the splash shield to the

spindle and remove the splash shield.

5.
Remove the steering connecting

rod from the spindle arm with tool

OTC462.

6. Remove the cotter pins from

both ball joint stud nuts, and loosen

the nuts one or two turns. Do not re-

move the nuts from the studs at this

time.

7.
Install the ball joint remover tool

between the upper and lower ball joint

studs (Fig. 7). The tool sho.uld seat

firmly against the ends of both studs

and not against the stud nuts.

8. Turn the tool nut with a wrench

until the tool places the studs under

tension, and, with a hammer, tap the

spindle near the stud to loosen them

in the spindle. Do not loosen the studs

in the spindle with tool pressure only.

9. Position a floor jack under the

lower control arm.

10.
Remove the ball joint stud nuts

and lower the lower arm enough to re-

move the spring and the spindle.
Installation

1.
Position the spindle to the lower

ball joint stud and install the attaching

nut. Torque the nut to specification.

Continue to tighten the nut until the

cotter pin hole is in line with the slots

in the nut. Then, install the cotter pin.

2.
Position the spring and raise the

lower arm and guide and upper ball

joint stud into the spindle hole and in-

stall the attaching nut. Torque the nut

to specification and install the cotter

pin as outlined in the preceeding step.

3.
Remove the floor jack from

under the lower arm.

4.
Attach the steering connecting

rod to the spindle and install the nut.

Torque the nut to specification. Con-

tinue to tighten the nut until the cotter

pin hole is in line with the slots in the

nut. Then, install the cotter pin.

5.
If equipped with drum type

brakes—Position the brake backing

plate to the spindle and install the at-

taching bolts. Torque the bolts to spe-

cification. Adjust the brakes as out-

lined in Part 2-2. Install the wheel,

tire,
and drum to the spindle and ad-

just the wheel bearings as outlined in

Part 3-12).

6. If equipped with disc brak-

es—Install the splash shield on the

spindle and torque the attaching bolts

to specification (Part 3-13). Install theprocarmanuals.com

03-02-28
Suspension

03-02-28

used, these components should
be re-

placed
on the
bench.

Do not wash the ball joint with sol-

vent.
The
solvent
may
attack parts

within the joint.

BUSHING AND INNER

SHAFT REPLACEMENT

LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

Always replace both upper
arm

bushings,
if
either bushing
is
worn
or

damaged. Install only
new
bushings

when replacing
the
inner shaft. Refer

to Section
3 for
the upper arm remov-

al procedure.

1.
Remove
the
bolts, lock washers,

and flat washers from the ends
of
the

upper arm shaft.

2.
Assemble
the
remover, tool

3044-LA,
to the
shaft
at the
front

bushing. Press
the
bushing
out of the

arm using
the
support cup, tool 6069-

H,
and the
remover tool 3044-AB3

(Fig. 40).

PRESS RAM

FIG.
40
—Removing Upper
Arm

Front Bushing

3.
Remove
the
shaft.

4.
Remove
the
upper
arm
rear

bushing using
the
support
cup,
tool

3069-H, and
the
remover, tool 3069-L

(Fig. 41).

5.
Both upper
arm
bushings
are

pressed into the arm from the outside

toward the inside
of
the arm. To facil-

itate installation, use silicone
or
liquid

oap
as a
lubricant.
See
Fig.
41 for
PRESS RAM

Tool-3069-H

F 1480-A

FIG. 41—Removing Upper
Arm

Rear Bushing

proper assembly
of the
shaft
and

bushings.

6. Press the upper arm rear bushing

into
the arm
using
the
support cup,

tool 3069-H,
and the
replacer, tool

3068 (Fig. 43). Press
the
bushing
in

until
the
shoulder stop
is
reached.

7.
Insert
the end of the
shaft into

the rear bushing. Press the front bush-

ing onto
the
shaft
and
into
the arm

using the replacer, tool 3068 (Fig. 44).

REAR BUSHING
FRONT BUSHING

F 1479-A

FIG. 42— Upper Arm, Shaft,
and

Bushing Assembly

PRESS RAM

Tool— 3068

JF 1478-A
Bottom the bushing flange against the

flange
in the
arm.

8. Install
the
flat washers, lock-

washers,
and
bolts
at
the ends
of
the

upper
arm
shaft.
Do not
tighten
the

bolts
at
this time. These must
be

tightened after
the
arm assembly
has

been installed, and when the front end

weight
of
the vehicle
is
on the wheels.

These bolts
are
made
of a
special

material. Use only the specified bolt
if

replacement
is
necessary.

PRESS
RAM

FIG. 43—Installing Upper
Arm

Rear Bushing
FIG. 44—Installing Upper
Arm

Front Bushing

REAR SPRING OVERHAUL-

SPRING REMOVED

LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

Front Hanger Assembly

If
the
front hanger
or
bushings
are

to
be
replaced, proceed
as
follows:

1.
Remove
the
nuts and lock wash-

ers from
the
spring front mounting

bolt (Fig.
6).

2.
Tap the
spring mounting stud

out
of the
bushing
and
hanger, then

separate
the
hanger from
the
spring.

3.
Remove
the
front bushing from

the spring with tool T64N-5781-A.

4.
Install
the
bushing
in the
spring

with tool T64N-5781-A.

5.
Assemble the front hanger
to
the

spring
eye and
install
the
spring

mounting stud through
the
hanger,

bushings,
and
spring eye
as
shown
in

Fig.
6.

6. Install the lock washers and nuts

on
the
mounting stud
and
tighten
the

outboard
nut to
specification. Tighten

the inboard
nut to
specification with

the vehicle
at
curb riding height.procarmanuals.com