This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front track bar (panhard bar) on 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD models, which controls lateral axle movement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Track bar assembly × 1 — Motorcraft or equivalent track bar
• Track bar mounting bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Spray track bar mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes if fasteners appear corroded

Procedure

1. 1

   Access track bar frame bracket
   Locate the track bar running from the front axle passenger side to the frame on the driver side. Inspect both mounting points for damage or excessive wear. The frame bracket is located on the driver side frame rail near the front differential.
2. 2

   Support front axle
   Position a floor jack under the front axle differential to support the axle assembly. Apply just enough pressure to take the weight off the track bar, but do not lift the axle. This prevents the axle from shifting when the track bar is removed.
3. 3

   Remove frame bracket bolt
   Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, remove the track bar bolt at the frame bracket on the driver side. You may need to hold the nut on the backside with a 21mm wrench. The bolt passes through the frame bracket and track bar bushing. Remove the bolt completely and retain hardware if reusing.
4. 4

   Remove axle bracket bolt
   Move to the passenger side axle bracket. Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, remove the track bar bolt at the axle bracket. Again, you may need to hold the nut with a wrench. The axle may shift slightly to the passenger side when this bolt is removed, which is normal.
5. 5

   Remove track bar assembly
   Remove the track bar from the vehicle. It will slide out once both bolts are removed. Inspect the mounting bushings on both ends for cracking, tearing, or excessive wear. Inspect the frame and axle brackets for cracks, elongated bolt holes, or damage.
6. 6

   Clean mounting points
   Use a wire brush to clean the frame bracket and axle bracket mounting surfaces. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris from the bolt holes. Inspect bolt threads and replace bolts if damaged or excessively corroded. Clean the bolt holes in both brackets thoroughly.
7. 7

   Prepare new track bar
   If installing a new track bar, compare it to the old unit to ensure correct length and mounting configuration. Apply a light coating of white lithium grease to the new track bar bushings to aid installation and prevent squeaking.
8. 8

   Install track bar to frame bracket
   Position the new track bar with the bushing end at the driver side frame bracket. You may need to use the floor jack to shift the axle laterally to align the track bar with the frame bracket. Insert the frame bracket bolt through the bracket and track bar bushing, but do not tighten yet.
9. 9

   Install track bar to axle bracket
   Swing the opposite end of the track bar to the passenger side axle bracket. Use the floor jack to carefully shift the axle as needed to align the track bar bushing with the axle bracket holes. A pry bar may be helpful to align holes. Insert the axle bracket bolt but do not tighten yet.
10. 10

    Torque frame bracket bolt
    With both bolts installed finger-tight, torque the frame bracket bolt to manufacturer specification. The typical torque for track bar mounting bolts on this vehicle is 165-180 Nm (122-133 lb-ft), which aligns with the control arm bolt specification. Use the 165 Nm (122 lb-ft) specification from the database.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque axle bracket bolt
    Torque the axle bracket bolt to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft) using a calibrated torque wrench and 21mm socket. Ensure the nut is held securely while torquing the bolt. Verify both bolts are fully seated and properly torqued.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Remove axle support and reinstall wheels
    Carefully lower and remove the floor jack from under the front axle. The axle should now be centered and secured by the track bar. Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern.
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Track bar bolts must be torqued with the vehicle at normal ride height or with the suspension loaded
2. Verify both track bar mounting bolts are fully torqued and secure before test driving
3. Do not use impact tools for final torque on track bar bolts

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground, verify front wheels are centered in wheel wells equally on both sides
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual steering pull or handling concerns
• Check for any clunking or knocking sounds from front suspension during turns
• After 50-100 miles, re-inspect track bar mounting bolts for proper torque and check bushings for proper seating
• Verify no contact between track bar and frame or suspension components throughout steering range

More procedures for this vehicle