This procedure covers the removal and replacement of front subframe bushings on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, requiring subframe lowering and support.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front subframe bushing kit (set of 4) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Ball joint castle nut (if equipped with cotter pin) × 2 — Replace if damaged
• Subframe mounting bolts × 4 — Recommended replacement on high-mileage vehicles

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at frame rails behind subframe
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Spray all suspension fasteners and subframe bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak
7. Position transmission jack or subframe support fixture under center of subframe

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar links
   Locate sway bar end links connecting sway bar to lower control arms on both sides. Hold the ball stud with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the upper nuts connecting links to sway bar. This allows sway bar to remain with subframe when lowered.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Separate ball joints from knuckles
   Remove castle nuts or bolts securing lower ball joints to steering knuckles on both sides. Use ball joint separator tool to break taper between ball joint stud and knuckle. Do not damage ball joint boots during separation. Leave ball joints attached to lower control arms.
   ⚠Ball joint separator tools can slip and cause injury. Wear safety glasses and keep hands clear of impact area.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut101 Nm (75 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect steering linkage from subframe
   Locate steering rack mounting bolts or tie rod connections at subframe. Mark steering gear position relative to subframe for reinstallation alignment. Remove steering gear mounting bolts and carefully support steering rack, ensuring steering shaft remains connected. Tie steering rack to frame with wire to prevent damage to steering shaft and brake lines.
   ⚠Do not allow steering rack to hang by steering shaft alone as this can damage the shaft or universal joints.
4. 4

   Mark subframe alignment
   Before loosening any subframe bolts, use paint marker or scribe to mark exact position of subframe relative to frame rails on all four corners. Measure and record distances from subframe edges to body reference points. This ensures proper alignment during reinstallation which is critical for steering geometry and handling.
5. 5

   Support subframe and remove mounting bolts
   Ensure transmission jack or support fixture is securely positioned under center of subframe with adequate capacity (minimum 300 lbs). Apply slight upward pressure to support subframe weight. Locate four subframe mounting bolts (two front, two rear) securing subframe to frame rails. Remove all four bolts using breaker bar and socket, keeping them organized by position if different lengths.
   ⚠️Subframe is very heavy. Ensure support jack is stable and rated for weight before removing bolts. Have assistant help guide subframe as it lowers.
6. 6

   Lower subframe
   Carefully lower transmission jack to drop subframe approximately 4-6 inches, monitoring clearance of all attached components including control arms, brake lines, ABS sensors, and sway bar. Lower only enough to access bushings. Do not completely remove subframe from vehicle. Check that no wires or lines are stretched or binding.
   ⚠Lower subframe slowly in small increments, checking for interference. Excessive lowering can damage brake lines or ABS wiring.
7. 7

   Remove old bushings
   Inspect all four subframe bushing locations (two front, two rear). Note bushing orientation and any alignment marks on outer shells. Use bushing press or hydraulic press with appropriately sized adapters to press old bushings out of subframe mounting points. If bushings are severely deteriorated, outer shell may need to be cut and collapsed inward for removal. Clean bushing bores thoroughly with wire brush, removing all rust and debris.
   ⚠Pressing out bushings requires significant force. Ensure work piece is properly supported and press is aligned to avoid damaging subframe.
8. 8

   Install new bushings
   Apply thin coat of dish soap or bushing installation lubricant to outer diameter of new bushings and inside of subframe bores. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants as they can deteriorate rubber. Position new bushings in proper orientation, aligning any voids or flats with OEM markings. Use bushing press with correct size adapters to press bushings fully into subframe until seated against internal stops. Ensure bushings are pressed in straight and seated evenly all around.
9. 9

   Raise and align subframe
   Raise transmission jack to lift subframe back to original position, using alignment marks made during disassembly. Guide subframe into position carefully, ensuring all bolt holes align with frame rails. Verify steering rack clears subframe and all suspension components move freely. Have assistant help align subframe while you check reference marks from all angles.
10. 10

    Install subframe mounting bolts
    Insert all four subframe mounting bolts finger-tight first, ensuring threads engage properly. Verify subframe alignment with reference marks before tightening. If new bolts are being used, ensure they are correct length and grade. Tighten subframe bolts in a cross pattern (front left, rear right, front right, rear left) to specification. Note: Torque specification may vary by year and specific subframe design - consult factory service manual for exact value if not performing final torque at this time.
    ℹ️Some factory procedures require subframe bolts to be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension. Verify proper procedure for your specific model year.
11. 11

    Reconnect steering gear
    Remove wire support and position steering rack back onto subframe using alignment marks made during removal. Install steering gear mounting bolts and tighten to specification per factory service manual. Verify steering shaft moves freely through full range of motion without binding.
12. 12

    Reconnect ball joints
    Clean ball joint tapers and steering knuckle bores with wire brush. Position ball joint studs into steering knuckles on both sides, ensuring proper seating. Install castle nuts or bolts and torque to specification. If using castle nuts with cotter pins, tighten to torque spec and advance to next slot for cotter pin installation. Install new cotter pins if equipped.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut101 Nm (75 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar links
    Position sway bar end link ball studs into sway bar mounting holes on both sides. Install upper nuts while holding ball stud with Allen key to prevent spinning. Torque nuts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install wheels and perform final checks
    Reinstall both front wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact ground but suspension is not fully loaded. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Final torque control arm bolts
    With vehicle weight fully on suspension, torque lower control arm mounting bolts to specification. This must be done with suspension at normal ride height to avoid preloading bushings which causes premature wear.
    ℹ️Control arm bolts must be torqued at ride height. Torquing with suspension hanging will cause bushing failure.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Check that no tools or parts were left in wheel wells or under vehicle
3. Verify steering wheel is centered and turns lock-to-lock without binding
4. Check that all brake lines and ABS sensors are properly routed and not rubbing

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or steering issues
• Verify steering returns to center after turns and vehicle tracks straight
• Check for any fluid leaks around steering rack or brake components
• Have alignment checked and adjusted at qualified shop within 50 miles of repair - subframe R&R will affect alignment settings
• Re-torque all critical fasteners after 100 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle