Rear Subframe - All-Wheel Drive. Removal and Installation

Special Service Tools / General Equipment

	300-OTC1585AE Powertrain Lift
Wood block

Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the 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. 1
   On both sides. Remove the rear axle shaft.
   Refer to: Rear Axle Shaft (205-05 Rear Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation).
2. 2
   Both sides. Remove the toe link.
   Refer to: Toe Link (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
3. 3
   Both sides. Remove the coil spring.
   Refer to: Coil Spring (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
4. 4
   Remove the muffler and exhaust pipe.
   Refer to: Muffler and Exhaust Pipe (309-00B Exhaust System — 2 L EcoBoost (184 kW/250 L PS) — MI4, Removal and Installation).
   Refer to: Muffler and Exhaust Pipe (309-00B Exhaust System — 2 L EcoBoost (184 kW/250 L PS) — MI4, Removal and Installation).
5. 5
   Remove the stabilizer bar.
   Refer to: Rear Stabilizer Bar (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
6. 6
   On both sides. Remove the rear suspension height sensor.
   Refer to: Rear Suspension Height Sensor (204-05 Vehicle Suspension, Removal and Installation).
7. 7
   If equipped.
   Remove the retainers and the underbody shield.

   

8. 8
   Remove the clips and the underbody shield covers.

   

9. 9
   Remove and discard the driveshaft retainers to the RDU (rear drive unit).

   

10. 10
    1. Mark the driveshaft and pinion flange with alignment marks.

    2. Using a screwdriver, separate the driveshaft from the pinion flange.

    3. Set the driveshaft aside and support it.

    

11. 11
    Disconnect the RDU electrical connector.

    

12. 12
    Disconnect the electrical connector.

    

13. 13
    On both sides.
    Disconnect the harness clip and disconnect the electrical connectors.

    

14. 14
    Disconnect the harness clips and disconnect the electrical connectors.

    

15. 15
    Both sides.
    Mark the rear subframe position.

    

16. 16
    Position the powertrain lift and wooden blocks under the rear subframe.
    Use special service tool: 300-OTC1585AE Powertrain Lift.
    Use common shop equipment: wooden block

    

17. 17
    1. Remove and discard the rear subframe bracket bolts.

    2. Remove and discard the rear subframe front bolts.

    

18. 18
    Remove and discard the rear subframe rear bolts.

    

19. 19
    Lower the rear subframe.
    Use the Special Service Tool: 300-OTC1585AE Powertrain Lift.
    Use common shop equipment: wood block

    

Installation

1. 1
   Partially lower the rear subframe and position it on the vehicle.
   Use special service tool: 300-OTC1585AE Powertrain Lift.
   Use common shop equipment: wooden block

   

2. 2
   On both sides.
   Align the marks made during removal.

   

3. 3
   1. Position the brackets and install new rear subframe front bolts.
      Torque: 129 lb-ft (175 N·m)

   2. Install the bracket bolts.
      Torque: 41 lb-ft (55 N·m)

   

4. 4
   Install the rear subframe rear bolts.
   Torque: 129 lb-ft (175 N·m)

   

5. 5
   Attach the harness clips and connect the electrical connectors.

   

6. 6
   On both sides.
   Attach the harness clip and connect the electrical connectors.

   

7. 7
   Connect the electrical connector.

   

8. 8
   Connect the RDU electrical connector.

   

9. 9
   Install the driveshaft to the RDU flange.

   

10. 10
    Install new driveshaft retainers to the RDU.
    Torque: 26 lb-ft (35 N·m)

    

11. 11
    Install the underbody shields and clips.

    

12. 12
    If equipped.
    Install the underbody shield and clips.

    

13. 13
    On both sides. Install the rear suspension height sensor.
    Refer to: Rear Suspension Height Sensor (204-05 Vehicle Suspension, Removal and Installation).
14. 14
    Install the rear stabilizer bar.
    Refer to: Rear Stabilizer Bar (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
15. 15
    Install the muffler and exhaust pipe.
    Refer to: Muffler and Exhaust Pipe (309-00B Exhaust System - 2 L EcoBoost (184 kW/250 L hp) - MI4, Removal and Installation).
    Refer to: Muffler and Exhaust Pipe (309-00B Exhaust System - 2 L EcoBoost (184 kW/250 L hp) - MI4, Removal and Installation).
16. 16
    On both sides. Install the spring.
    Refer to: Spring (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
17. 17
    On both sides. Install the toe link.
    Refer to: Toe Link (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
18. 18
    On both sides. Install the rear axle shaft.
    Refer to: Rear Axle Shaft (205-05 Rear Axle Shafts, Removal and Installation).
19. 19
    Calibrate the suspension system. Connect the scan tool and perform the ride height calibration procedure. Follow the scan tool directions.