strut FORD FESTIVA 1991 User Guide

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GENERAL INFORMATION
Wheel Alignm ent T heory & Operation
* PLEASE READ THIS FIRST *
PRE-ALIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL ALIGNMENT CHECKS
Before adjusting wheel alignment, check the following:
Each axle uses tires of same construction and tread style, equal in tread wear and overall diameter. Verify that radial and axial runout is
not excessive. Inflation should be at manufacturer's specifications.
Steering linkage and suspension must not have excessive play. Check for wear in tie rod ends and ball joints. Springs must not be
sagging. Control arm and strut rod bushings must not have excessive play. See Fig. 1
.

Fig. 1: Checking Steering Linkage

Vehicle must be on level floor with full fuel tank, no passenger load, spare tire in place and no load in trunk. Bounce front and rear end
of vehicle several times. Confirm vehicle is at normal riding height.
Steering wheel must be centered with wheels in straight ahead position. If required, shorten one tie rod adjusting sleeve and lengthen
opposite sleeve (equal amount of turns). See Fig. 2
.
Wheel bearings should have the correct preload and lug nuts must be tightened to manufacturer's specifications. Adjust camber, caster
and toe-in using this sequence. Follow instructions of the alignment equipment manufacturer. NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
NOTE:This is GENERAL inform ation. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or
individual vehicle configuration. For m odel-specific inform ation see appropriate articles where
available.
CAUT ION: DO NOT attem pt to correct alignm ent by straightening parts. Dam aged parts MUST be replaced.
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SUSPENSION - FRONT
1991-92 SUSPENSION Front
DESCRIPTION
Front suspension system uses MacPherson strut shock assemblies. The upper ends of the strut assembly are attached to the shock towers and
the lower ends are attached to the steering knuckle. Lower control arm is attached to the chassis. Fore and aft movement is controlled by the
stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar is connected to the lower control arm by a connecting link. See Fig. 1
or Fig. 2 .
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES

Fig. 1: Front Suspension Assembly (Capri)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig. 2: Front Suspension Assembly (Festiva)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. NOTE:See SPECIFICAT IONS & PROCEDURES article in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT Section.
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WHEEL BEARINGS
Wheel bearing preload is maintained by a selective spacer in the steering knuckle, between the inner and outer hub bearings. For adjustment
procedures and inspection, see WHEEL BEARING under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
BALL JOINT CHECKING
Raise and support vehicle until tire is just off ground. Move wheel vertically and check for play. If play is noticed between steering knuckle
and control arm, control arm assembly should be replaced. If play is present but ball joint is okay, wheel bearings should be checked for wear
and replaced if necessary.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
STABILIZER BAR
Removal & Installation (Festiva)
1. Remove stabilizer mounting bracket nuts and brackets. Remove split bushings from stabilizer bar. Remove stabilizer bushing nuts at
lower control arms. Remove rear dished washers and bushings.
2. To loosen stabilizer bar, pull forward from control arms. Remove front bushings and washers. Install control arm bushing washers on
ends of stabilizer and install control arm front bushings. Insert ends of stabilizer bar into control arm bushings and install rear bushings
and washers on stabilizer bar ends.
3. Install retaining nuts finger tight. Install split bushings on stabilizer cross bar with split side forward. Position split bushings next to
White locating marks on bar. Install stabilizer mounting brackets. Tighten all bolts and nuts to specification.
STRUT ASSEMBLY & COIL SPRING
Removal
1. Raise and support front of vehicle so struts are fully extended. Remove front wheels. Remove brake line clip from strut lower mounting
bracket and remove brake line.
2. Remove 2 bolts retaining strut lower bracket to steering knuckle. Working inside engine compartment, remove 2 nuts retaining strut
mounting block in strut tower. Disengage strut lower bracket from steering knuckle and lower strut from vehicle.
Disassembly & Reassembly
1. Using spring compressor, compress spring to unload strut. Pry out mounting block cap and remove strut upper nut and lock washer.
2. Remove strut mounting block and spacer plate. Remove washer, bearing seal and bearing from strut rod. Remove spring upper seat, seat
insulator and coil spring. Remove jounce bumper and dust shield from strut. Reverse disassembly procedure to install coil spring a n d
reassemble strut.
Installation
1. Position strut, with spacer plate installed, in strut tower with White alignment mark facing outward. Install and tighten nuts on upper
mounting block studs.
2. Install steering knuckle in strut lower bracket. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all bolts and nuts to
specification.
HUB & KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel. Straighten staked edge of drive axle lock nut flange. DO NOT damage groove or threads in
end of drive axle. Apply brakes to prevent hub assembly from turning. Remove and discard drive axle lock nut.
2. Remove clip which secures brake hose to strut bracket. Remove cotter pin and tie rod end attaching nut. Using Tie Rod End Separator
(T85M-3395A), remove tie rod end from steering knuckle.
3. Remove brake caliper attaching bolts and remove assembly from steering knuckle. Do not allow caliper to hang by brake hose. Remove
clamp bolt and nut where lower control arm ball joint connects to steering knuckle.
4. Using a pry bar, pull down on lower control arm and release ball joint from steering knuckle. Remove 2 bolts which attach steering
knuckle between flanges of MacPherson strut bracket. Slide hub/knuckle assembly off end of drive axle. If binding is present or drive
hub is rusted to half-shaft, use a hub puller to push axle from drive hub.
Installation
1. Apply a thin coat of SAE 30 weight oil to drive axle splines. Slide steering knuckle/rotor/hub assembly onto drive axle. Stop at area
where uppermost arm of steering knuckle seats into MacPherson strut bracket.
2. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Install NEW drive axle lock nut. Tighten all bolts and nuts to specification. Stake
axle lock nut into shaft groove.
WHEEL BEARING NOTE:Inform ation for stabilizer bar rem oval and installation on Capri is not available from m anufacturer.
NOTE:Always use a new drive axle lock nut when servicing drive hub or drive axle.
CAUT ION: DO NOT use a pointed tool to stake nut. If lock nut flange cracks, even slightly, during staking process,
it m ust be replaced.
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Caliper Attaching Bolts29-36 (39-49)
Control Arm Bolt-To-Ball Joint69-86 (93-117)
Control Arm Bracket Bolt44-54 (59-74)
Control Arm Front Bolt69-86 (93-117)
Control Arm Rear Bolt55-69 (75-93)
Drive Axle Nut116-174 (157-236)
Shock Absorber Bolt-To-Knuckle69-72 (93-97)
Stabilizer Bracket Nuts40-50 (54-68)
Steering Knuckle-To-Strut69-86 (93-117)
Steering Knuckle-To-Tie Rod22-33 (29-44)
Strut Assembly-To-Strut Tower17-22 (23-29)
Strut Rod Nut22-27 (29-36)
Wheel Lug Nut65-88 (90-120)
Festiva
Ball Joint Pinch Bolt32-40 (43-54)
Brake Rotor-To-Hub33-40 (44-54)
Caliper Attaching Bolts29-36 (39-49)
Control Arm Bushing Nuts47-57 (64-77)
Control Arm Pivot Bolt32-40 (43-54)
Stabilizer Bar Nuts-To-Control Arm47-57 (64-77)
Stabilizer Mounting Bracket Nuts40-50 (54-68)
Steering Knuckle-To-Strut69-86 (93-117)
Steering Knuckle-To-Tie Rod22-33 (29-44)
Strut Assembly-To-Strut Tower22-27 (29-36)
Wheel Lug Nut65-88 (90-120)
Copyr ight 2009 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Article GUID: A00121554
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SUSPENSION - REAR
1991-92 SUSPENSION Rear
DESCRIPTION
Rear suspension is a MacPherson strut, semi-independent system on Festiva and fully independent on Capri. On Festiva, trailing arms are
rigidly connected to each other by a torsion beam. Rubber bushings are installed at the torsion beam/trailing arm body brackets. Control arms
are not used. The rear suspension has no provision for individual wheel alignment. Rear torsion beam must be centered in chassis for proper
tracking. For alignment of torsion beam, see TORSION BEAM under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. See Fig. 1
.

Fig. 1: Exploded View of Rear Suspension (Festiva)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
On Capri, trailing arms and dual control arms have separate mounting points at each end. One end on each control arm is connected to rear
crossmember. The other end is connected to spindle assembly. Trailing arms are attached to strut and floorpan bracket. Rear toe-in can be
adjusted by rotating adjustment link on control arms. See Fig. 2
.
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1. Using Installer (T77F-1217-A), Driver Handle (T80T-4000-W) or proper sized brass drift and hammer, install inner and outer bearing
races. Pack bearings and hub area with Lubricant (C1AZ-1959D-B, C, D or E).
2. Position inner bearing in bearing hub. Lubricate grease seal lips and install seal. Ensure bearings and hub have sufficient lubricant. Place
brake drum bearings and hub assembly on spindle. To prevent damage to grease seal and spindle threads, ensure hub is correctly
centered on spindle.
3. Install outer bearing, washer and new lock nut. Stake lock nut with a blunt chisel. Adjust bearing preload. See ADJUSTMENTS &
INSPECTION.
SPINDLE
Removal & Installation (Capri)
Remove wheel, caliper and brake rotor. Loosen spindle-to-strut attaching bolts. Loosen outer rear control arm common bolt and nut. Remove
spindle-to-strut mount bolts and common control arm bolt. Remove spindle from strut. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Removal & Installation (Festiva)
Remove brake drum assembly. Remove 4 spindle attaching nuts located on inboard side of torsion beam. Support backing plate with wire and
remove spindle. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten spindle attaching nuts to 32-45 ft. lbs. (43-61 N.m).
STRUTS
Removal & Installation (Capri)
1. Remove wheel, caliper and brake rotor. Remove trailing arm bolt and spindle-to-strut attaching bolts. Put index mark on strut rubber
mounting bracket. Remove upper strut attaching nuts from inside vehicle. Remove strut.
2. Compress strut coil spring with Spring Compressor (T18P-5310-A) or similar. Remove strut nut while spring is compressed. Remove
rubber mounting bracket, upper and lower spring seats. Slowly release coil spring and remove spring compressor. Remove coil spring,
dust boot and rebound bumpers. To install, reverse removal procedure.
Removal (Festiva)
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheels. Using Spring Compressor (T81P-5310-A), compress spring to unload strut. Remove rear
quarter trim panel from cargo compartment.
2. Remove jam nut and flanged nut from strut rod. Remove bushing washer and upper bushing. Remove strut lower end mounting bolt
from wheel support arm. Remove strut and separate it from spring and seat insulator. Remove lower bushing and jounce bumper seat
from strut rod. Slide jounce bumper and shield off strut. See Fig. 3
. NOTE:Nut m ust be replaced if lock flange splits or cracks during staking process. DO NOT stake with a sharp-
edged tool.
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Fig. 3: Exploded View of Strut Assembly (Typical)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Inspection
Check jounce bumper, spring seat insulator and strut rod bushings for wear or damage. Ensure strut is not leaking.
Installation
1. Slide jounce bumper and shield onto strut rod and cylinder. Install bumper seat and lower bushing on strut rod. If upper spring seat
insulator has been replaced, install new insulator on spring upper end. Seat end of coil against step in insulator.
2. Place spring on strut. Ensure end of coil seats against step in strut spring seat. Install strut assembly into tower from wheelwell. Guide
strut rod into tower mounting hole.
3. Line up strut lower end with mounting hole in wheel support arm. Install mounting bolt to hold strut in position. Working from in sid e
cargo compartment, install rod upper end bushing, bushing washer and flanged nut. Tighten nut to 12-18 ft. lbs. (16-24 N.m). See Fig.
4 . Hold flanged nut while tightening jam nut to lock it in position.
4. Tighten strut lower mounting bolt to 40-50 ft. lbs. (54-68 N.m). Remove spring compressor. Install wheel and tire assembly.
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Fig. 4: Installing Strut Flanged Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
TORSION BEAM
Removal (Festiva)
1. Raise and support vehicle so rear struts are fully extended. Remove both wheels. Remove struts and disconnect brake lines as previously
described.
2. Disconnect parking brake cable clevises at brake backing plates. Remove parking brake equalizer and cables from torsion beam. Remove
4 nuts from back of each brake assembly to release backing plates and wheel spindle supports.
3. Remove torsion beam pivot bolts from body brackets. See Fig. 5
. Do not loosen or remove torsion beam body brackets if they are not
to be replaced. Remove torsion beam.

Fig. 5: Removing Torsion Beam Pivot Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Installation
1. If removed, install torsion beam pivot brackets. Do not tighten mounting bolts at this time. If a new torsion beam is to be installed,
install new pivot bushings in beam arms. See TORSION BEAM BUSHINGS.
2. Install bushing flange washers and position beam arms in body brackets. Align pivot bolt holes and install bolts. Do not tighten nuts at
this time. Install brake backing plates and wheel spindle support assemblies. Tighten nuts to 32-45 ft. lbs. (43-61 N.m).
3. Install parking brake equalizer assembly on torsion beam. Install cable clevises to brake levers with clevis pins and cotter pins. Clip right
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and left brake lines in place. Install rear suspension struts and wheels. Block wheels and lower vehicle to load suspension to normal ride
height. Tighten torsion beam pivot bolts at body brackets to 69-87 ft. lbs. (93-118 N.m).
4. Check rear suspension alignment. Place an alignment mark at the center of the underbody, at a point of equal distance from the right and
left body bracket inboard mounting bolts. From this alignment mark, measure distance to centers of right and left strut lower mounting
bolts.
5. Both measurements must be within .20" (5 mm) of being the same. If not, shift torsion beam body brackets from side-to-side to center
suspension. Once centered, tighten upper body bracket mounting bolts to 40-50 ft. lbs. (54-68 N.m) and lower bolt to 69-87 ft. lbs. (93-
118 N.m). Bleed brakes.
TORSION BEAM BUSHINGS
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle to fully extended rear struts. Remove wheels. Remove retaining clip at right brake line routing bracket and
disconnect brake line. Remove clip from left brake line and disconnect at body crossmember.
2. Remove torsion beam pivot bolt bolts and nuts at right and left body brackets. Swing torsion beam trailing arm downward to clear body
brackets.
3. Using piece of wood, block beam in disengaged position. Using Bushing Remover/Replacer (D80L-1002-L), remove bushings from
inboard side of torsion beam arm. See Fig. 6
.

Fig. 6: Removing Torsion Beam Bushing

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Installation
1. Place bushings on outboard sides of torsion beam arms with marks "F" and "R" aligned parallel to arm axis. To ease installation,
lubricate bushings with soapy water. Press in bushings using bushing remover/installer.
2. Remove wood block holding torsion beam out of body pivot brackets. Place bushing flange washers on outboard faces of bushings.
Raise torsion beam arms into brackets until pivot bolt holes align.
3. Install pivot bolts through brackets from inboard side but do not tighten nuts at this time. Connect brake lines at routing brackets.
Reinstall brake line retaining clips. Reinstall wheels. Lower vehicle and block wheels. Jounce vehicle until suspension is fully loaded in
its normal riding position. Tighten torsion beam pivot bolt nuts to 69-87 ft. lbs. (93-118 N.m). Bleed brakes.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
NOTE:Bushings have "F" (front) and "R" (rear) stam ped on bushing face. Ensure these m arks are right side
up when "F" is toward front of vehicle.
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Capri
Control Arm Bolt-To-Spindle45-55 (61-75)
Inner Control Arm Bolts69-86 (93-117)
Rear Hub Lock Nut18-21 (25-29)
Rear Stabilizer Bracket32-39 (43-55)
Spindle-To-Strut Bolts69-86 (93-117)
Strut Rod Upper Flanged Nut40-50 (54-68)
Strut-To-Strut Tower17-22 (23-29)
Wheel Bearing Lock Nut18-21 (25-29)
Wheel Lug Nuts67-88 (90-120)
Festiva
Brake Backing Plate Spindle Support Bolts32-45 (43-61)
Lower Body Bracket Mounting Bolts69-87 (93-118)
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Rear Hub Lock Nut18-21 (25-29)
Spindle Attaching Nuts31-45 (43-61)
Strut Lower Mounting Bolt40-50 (54-68)
Strut Rod Upper Flanged Nut12-18 (16-25)
Torsion Beam Pivot Bolts69-87 (93-118)
Upper Body Bracket Mounting Bolts40-50 (54-68)
Wheel Lug Nuts67-88 (90-120)
Copyr ight 2009 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Article GUID: A00121555
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