2003 FORD MUSTANG suspension

17. Remove the dust shield, hub, snap ring and bearing from the knuckle. For additional
information, refer to Wheel Hub — Cobra in this section.
Installation
1. Install the bearing, snap ring, hub and dust shield. For additional information, refer to Wheel Hub — Cobra in this section.
2. Install the knuckle. 1. Position the knuckle on the lower suspension arm and bushing.
2. Install a new bolt and a new nut. Do not tighten the nut at this time.
3. Connect the axle shaft to the hub. 1. Making sure the splines on the shaft line up with the splines in the hub, install the axle
shaft into the hub.
2. Install a new retainer. Do not tighten the retainer at this time.
4. Connect the upper suspension arm and bushing to the knuckle. 1. Position the upper suspension arm and bushing on the knuckle.
2. Install a new cam bolt and a new nut. Do not tighten the nut at this time. Klj . 5 ba
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5. Connect the toe link to the knuckle.
1. Position the toe link in the knuckle.
2. Install a new nut.
3. Install a new cotter pin.
6. CAUTION: Make sure the hardened washer is installed between the lower
suspension arm and bushing and the shock absorber. Failure to do so can result in
damage and failure of the lower suspension arm and bushing.
Connect the shock absorber to the lower suspension arm and bushing and install the bolt and a
new nut.
7. Raise the suspension until the shock absorber is compressed to the previously established alignment mark (curb height). Klj . 6 ba
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8. Tighten the nut.
9. Make sure the marks on the cam bolt and the upper suspension arm and bushing made during
removal are aligned, and tighten the nut.
10. Lower the suspension and remove the jack stand.
11. Install the rear brake disc. For additional information, refer to Section 206 - 04 .
12. Install the parking brake cable and conduit into the knuckle. Klj . 7 ba
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Toe Link —
Cobra
Removal CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital
components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with
the same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. If substitution is
necessary, the part must be of the same finish and property class. Torque values must be used
as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.
1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
3. Remove the rear brake disc. For additional information, refer to Section 206 - 04 .
4. Support the lower suspension arm and bushing (5A649) with a jack stand.
5. Remove the nut and bolt and disconnect the shock absorber (18125) from the lower suspension arm and bushing. Discard the nut and bolt.
6. Remove and discard the cotter pin and nut.
SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Steering Arm Remover
211-
003 (T64P-9171- A) Klj . 1 ba
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7.
CAUTION: Do not strike the toe link or the knuckle to disconnect the toe link. The
toe link or the knuckle can be damaged.
Using the special tool, disconnect the toe link (5K848) from the knuckle (5A968/5A969).
8. Remove the nut, bolt and the toe link. Discard the bolt and nut.
Installation 1. CAUTION: Make sure the hardened washer is installed between the lower
suspension arm and bushing and the shock absorber. Failure to do so can result in
damage and failure of the lower suspension arm and bushing.
NOTE: The toe link bolt and nuts are of a torque prevailing design. A new bolt and new nuts
must be installed.
NOTE: Use a new cotter pin.
To install, reverse the removal procedure. Klj . 2 ba
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Spring —
Coil
Removal CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital
components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with
the same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. If substitution is
necessary, the part must be of the same finish and property class. Torque values must be used
as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.
All vehicles
1. Mark the rear shock absorber (18125) relative to the protective sleeve with the vehicle in a static, level ground position (curb height).
2. Raise the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
3. Disconnect the anti- lock sensor wire.
SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Hi-
Lift Jack
014- 00942 or Equivalent Klj . 1 ba
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4. Remove the bolt and the parking brake cable bracket. Discard the bolt.
Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 2V engine 5. Remove the stabilizer bar (5A772). For additional information, refer to Stabilizer Bar in this
section.
All vehicles 6. Support the differential housing with a jack stand.
7. Position the special tool 014- 00942 under the rear lower suspension arm and bushing- to-axle
pivot bolt.
8. Remove and discard the pivot bolt and nut.
9. Remove the spring (5560). 1. Slowly lower the arm with the special tool 014- 00942.
2. Remove the rear spring and the rear spring insulators (5536). Installation Klj . 2 ba
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5. Remove the special tool 014-
00942.
6. Raise the suspension until the shock absorber is compressed to the alignment mark (curb height).
7. Tighten the lower arm- to-axle pivot bolt.
8. Lower the rear suspension and remove the jack stand.
Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 2V engine
9. Install the stabilizer bar. For additional information, refer to Stabilizer Bar in this section.
All vehicles 10. Install the parking brake cable bracket and a new bolt. Klj . 4 ba
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