2003 FORD MUSTANG suspension

10. Support the front suspension lower arm with a jack stand.
11. Remove the nut and the ABS sensor wire bracket.
12.
WARNING: All vehicles are equipped with gas pressurized shock absorbers which
will extend unassisted. Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorbers during
removal or component servicing. Failure to follow these instructions can result in
personal injury.
Disconnect the front shock absorber (18124) from the spindle. 1. Remove and discard the nuts and bolts.
2. Disconnect the shock absorber.
13. Remove the spindle. 1. Remove and discard the nut.
2. Remove the spindle. Klj . 3 ba
52003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Shock Absorber
Removal
WARNING: All vehicles are equipped with gas pressurized shock absorbers which will
extend unassisted. Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorbers during removal or
component servicing. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury.
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 or an equivalent part must be installed, if installation is necessary. Do
not use a part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified
during reassembly to ensure proper 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 front brake disc. For additional information, refer to Section 206 - 03 .
4. Remove the bolt and the ABS sensor.
5. Unclip the ABS sensor wire from the bracket.
6. Remove the nut and the ABS sensor wire bracket.
SECTION 204-
01: Front Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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7. Support the front suspension lower arm (3078) with a jack stand.
8. Disconnect the shock absorber (18124) from the spindle (3105).
1. Remove and discard the nuts and bolts.
2. Disconnect the shock absorber.
9. Carefully lower the front suspension lower arm and remove the jack stand.
10. CAUTION: Do not allow the weight of the vehicle to rest on the front brake disc
shield. Damage to the shield can occur.
Lower the vehicle to access the upper mount nuts and bolt.
11. Remove the shock absorber. 1. Remove the bolt and nuts. Discard the nuts.
2. Remove the shock absorber.
12. Position the shock absorber in a vise. 13. Remove the nut and the front shock absorber mounting bracket (18183). Klj . 2 ba
52003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Spring
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 or an equivalent part must be installed, if installation is necessary. Do
not use a part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified
during reassembly to ensure proper retention of these parts.
1. Mark the front shock absorber (18124) relative to the protective sleeve with the vehicle in a static, level ground position (curb height).
2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
3. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
4. Remove the cotter pin and nut. Discard the cotter pin.
SECTION 204-
01: Front Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Tie-
Rod End Remover
211- 001 (TOOL- 3290-D) or
Equivalent Coil Spring Compressor
204-
D001 (D78P-5310- A) or
Equivalent Klj . 1 ba
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5.
CAUTION: Use care not to damage the tie- rod end dust boot.
Using the special tool, disconnect the tie- rod from the spindle.
6. Disconnect the front stabilizer bar link (5K483) from the front suspension lower arm (3078). 1. Remove the nut and bushing.
2. Disconnect the link.
7. CAUTION: Do not allow the intermediate shaft to rotate while it is disconnected
from the gear or damage to the clockspring can occur. If there is evidence that the
intermediate shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For
additional information, refer to Section 501 - 20B .
Remove the bolt and disconnect the intermediate shaft from the gear. zDiscard the bolt. Klj . 2 ba
82003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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8.
CAUTION: Correctly support the power rack and pinion steering gear to avoid
damaging the gear and hoses.
Position the power rack and steering gear out of the way. 1. Remove the nuts and bolts.
2. Position the steering gear so the front suspension lower arm front bolt can be removed.
9. Support the front suspension lower arm with a jack stand inboard of the spring seat.
10. NOTE: Note position of the front coil spring (5310) in the lower arm spring seat. It must be
installed in the same position.
Using the special tool, compress the spring until it is loose in the spring insulator (5415). 11. Remove the front suspension lower arm pivot nuts and bolts. Klj . 3 ba
82003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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12. Lower the front suspension lower arm and remove the jack stand.
13. Remove the spring.
1. Swing the front suspension lower arm out of the fender well.
2. Remove the spring and the spring insulator.
Installation 1. Install the spring. 1. Position the spring and spring insulator in the front suspension lower control arm.
2. Swing the arm into the fender well. Klj . 4 ba
82003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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2. Position a jack stand under the front suspension lower control arm inboard of the spring seat
and raise the arm into position.
3. NOTE: The front suspension lower arm nuts must be tightened with the suspension at curb
height.
Install the bolts and nuts. Do not tighten the bolts at this time.
4. Make sure the spring is correctly positioned in the front suspension lower arm. 1. Spring must not cover this hole.
2. Spring must cover this hole.
5. Remove the special tool. Klj . 5 ba
82003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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