Removing and installing the rear suspension assembly (Escort 3)

Place the vehicle on stands and disconnect the parking brake cable. Loosen the bolts securing the tie rod and suspension arm to the body. Disconnect the brake hoses from the service brake system pipes. Jack up the suspension arms, remove the rear storage shelf, remove the plastic caps, unscrew the nuts, remove the washers and shock absorber cushions and lower the suspension to the ground.

On vehicles manufactured after March 1983, after jacking up the suspension arms, unscrew the bolts securing the struts to the body, as well as the bolts of the suspension arm hinges.

To install the suspension, place it under the car so that the suspension arms are positioned opposite the body holes for the arm hinge bolts. Install the springs and gaskets and use jacks to compress the springs. Install the shock absorbers, compression buffers, washers and tighten the nuts. Install the plastic caps. Install the suspension arm mounting bolts to the body, remove the jacks and attach the braces.

Connect the brake hoses to the service brake system lines and connect the parking brake cable. Bleed the brake system. Remove the vehicle from the stands and tighten the nuts of the suspension arm mounting bolts to the body.

This publication was borrowed from the website: FordBook