FORD FESTIVA 1991 Service Manual

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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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Removal
1. Remove hub and knuckle assembly from vehicle. See HUB & KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Using
Knuckle Puller (T87C-1104-A), or a press and bearing puller, remove drive hub/rotor assembly from steering knuckle/dust shield
assembly.
2. Remove bearing preload spacer from hub. Spacer is preselected to provide correct bearing preload. Ensure correct spacer is installed
during reassembly. Install hub/rotor assembly in a vise. Scribe alignment marks on hub and rotor for reassembly reference.
3. Remove rotor attaching bolts and rotor. Use Bearing Splitter (D84L-1123-A), Shaft Protector (D80L-625-2) and a press, or Bearing
Puller (D80L-927-A) and Puller Attachment (D84L-1123-A) to remove outer bearing from wheel hub. Remove and discard outer and
inner grease seals. Using Bearing Puller (T77F-1102-A) and Slide Hammer (T-50T-100-A), remove races from steering knuckle. See
Fig. 3
.

Fig. 3: Front Wheel Bearing & Hub Assembly

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Inspection
Thoroughly clean all parts in solvent. Check bearings, hub, knuckle and rotor dust shield for excessive wear or damage. If new bearing is being
installed, check bearing preload. See BEARING PRELOAD.
Bearing Preload
1. To check and adjust preload, Spacer Selector Set (T87C-1104-B) must be used. Prior to assembling hub/rotor assembly into steering
knuckle, install spacer selector into steering knuckle and clamp tool in vise. Tighten center bolt, in increments, to 36, 72, 108 and
finally 145 ft. lbs. (49, 98, 147 and 196 N.m). Each time center bolt is tightened, seat the bearings by rotating steering knuckle by hand.
2. Remove steering knuckle from vise. Reinstall steering knuckle in vise, clamping it where shock absorber mounts. Using an INCH lb.
torque wrench, measure torque required to turn center bolt. Ensure torque reading is taken just as wrench starts to rotate.
3. Spacer thickness is correct if torque wrench indicates 2.21-10.44 INCH lbs. (.25-1.8 N.m). If measurement indicates less than 2.21
INCH lbs. (.25 N.m), a thinner spacer must be installed. If measurement indicates more than 15.93 INCH lbs. (1.8 N.m), a thicker spacer
must be installed.
4. Bearing spacers are available in 21 thicknesses, in .0016" (.040 mm) increments. Spacer No. 1 is thinnest and No. 21 is thickest. See
PRELOAD SPACER AVAILABILITY table. Changing spacer thickness one increment will change bearing preload 1.7-3.5 INCH lbs.
(.2-.4 N.m). Ensure correct spacer is installed and preload is within specification. Remove spacer selector set.
PRELOAD SPACER AVAILABILITY NOTE:Rem oval of press-fitted dust shield from steering knuckle is not part of norm al bearing service. Dust
shield should not be rem oved from steering knuckle unless it is being replaced.
Stamped Mark On SpacerIn. (mm)
10.2474 (6.285)
20.2490 (6.325)
30.2506 (6.365)
40.2522 (6.405)
50.2537 (6.445)
60.2553 (6.485)
70.2569 (6.525)
80.2585 (6.565)
90.2600 (6.605)
100.2616 (6.645)
110.2632 (6.685)
120.2648 (6.725)
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Installation
1. Using Bearing Cup Replacer (D79P-1202-A) and Universal Driver Handle (T80T-4000-W), install bearing races in steering knuckle.
Lubricate bearing races and bearing. Install inner bearing into steering knuckle. Lubricate seal lips and install inner bearing seal into
knuckle. Install original bearing preload spacer in steering knuckle (or spacer selected during bearing preload check). Position outer
bearing in knuckle. Install outer seal. Install hub onto rotor, using reference marks made during removal. Install rotor to hub attaching
bolts.
2. Using a press and adapter from Spacer Selector Set (T87C-1104-B), install knuckle assembly onto hub. To complete installation,
reverse removal procedure.
LOWER CONTROL ARM & BALL JOINT (FESTIVA)
Removal
Remove lower control arm pivot bolt at frame bracket. Remove ball joint clamp bolt and nut from steering knuckle assembly. Remove
stabilizer bushing retaining nut from rear of control arm. Remove rear bushing washer and bushing. Lower the control arm and pry ball joint
stud out of steering knuckle. Disconnect control arm from stabilizer end and remove.
Inspection
Check control arm and bushings for excessive wear or damage. Ensure ball joint stud moves freely but is not loose. Use Ball Joint Rotating
Adapter (T87C-5493-C) to check ball joint rotating torque. Rotating torque should be 16-27 INCH lbs. (1.8-3.1 N.m).
Installation
1. Install front bushing washer with dished side forward. Position bushing stabilizer end and engage control arm with stabilizer. Raise
control arm inner end into pivot bracket on frame. Install pivot bolt to hold it in position.
2. Engage control arm ball joint stud with clamp bore in steering knuckle. Install clamp bolt and nut. Install stabilizer rear bushing and
washer with dished side forward on stabilizer end. Tighten all bolts and nuts to specification.
LOWER CONTROL ARM (CAPRI)
Removal & Installation
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel and disconnect stabilizer bar from control arm, if equipped. Remove ball joint clamp bolt. Remove
control arm front mount bolt. Remove control arm rear bracket and mount bolts. Remove control arm. To install, reverse removal procedure.
BALL JOINT (CAPRI)
Removal & Installation
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel. Remove ball joint clamp bolt from steering knuckle. Use small pry bar to pull down on lower
control arm to separate it from steering knuckle. Remove 2 ball joint retaining bolts and pry ball joint off control arm. To install, reverse
removal procedure.
LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING
Removal & Installation (Capri)
1. Remove control arm from vehicle. See LOWER CONTROL ARM. Use Bushing Receiver Cup (T87C-5493-B1), Bushing Driver (T87C-
5493-B2) and vise to remove control arm bushing.
2. To install, press bushing into control arm using same tools used for removal. Refit control arm to chassis.
Removal & Installation (Festiva)
1. Remove control arm from vehicle. See LOWER CONTROL ARM & BALL JOINT. Use Bushing Receiver Cup (T88C-5493-E), Bushing
Pilot (T81P-5493-B2) and "C" Clamp Assembly (T74P-3044-A1) to remove control arm bushing.
2. To install, press bushing into control arm using same tools used for removal. Refit control arm to chassis.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
130.2663 (6.765)
140.2679 (6.805)
150.2695 (6.845)
160.2711 (6.885)
170.2726 (6.925)
180.2742 (6.965)
190.2758 (7.005)
200.2774 (7.045)
210.2789 (7.085)
NOTE:Insert bushing quickly and sm oothly. Bushing should only be distorted for a short tim e.
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Capri
Ball Joint Pinch Bolt32-40 (43-54)
Brake Rotor-To-Hub33-40 (44-54)
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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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Fig. 2: Exploded View of Rear Suspension (Capri)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION
WHEEL BEARING
1. Raise and support vehicle. Ensure parking brake is fully released. Remove wheel and dust cap. Rotate brake drum and ensure there is no
brake drag. Using a small cape chisel, raise the staked portion of the lock nut. Remove and discard lock nut.
2. Install new lock nut. To seat bearings, use a torque wrench and tighten lock nut to 18-21 ft. lbs. (25-29 N.m) while rotating brake drum.
After tightening, loosen lock nut until it can be turned by hand. Measure seal drag using an INCH lb. torque wrench on a lug nut at 12
o'clock position. Measure and record amount of force required to rotate brake drum.
3. To determine preload, add amount of seal drag to specified preload of 1.3-4.3 INCH lbs. (.15-.49 N.m). As an example, if seal drag
measures 2.2 INCH Lbs. (.25 N.m), this amount must be added to required preload.
4. Tighten wheel bearing lock nut a small amount. Using an INCH lb. torque wrench on a lug nut at 12 o'clock position, measure amo u n t
of pull required to rotate brake drum. Tighten attaching nut until specified amount of preload is measured with torque wrench. Stake
lock nut with a blunt chisel. Install grease cap and wheel.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
WHEEL BEARING
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle. Ensure parking brake is fully released. Remove wheel and dust cap. Using a small cape chisel, raise staked
portion of lock nut. Remove and discard lock nut. Remove brake drum, bearing and hub assembly from spindle.
2. Pry out grease seal from hub and remove inner bearing. Bearings must be marked for reassembly reference if they are to be reused. Using
Slide Hammer (T50T-100-A), Bearing Cup Puller (T77F-1102-A) or proper sized brass drift and hammer, remove inner and outer
bearing races.
Installation
NOTE:Right side lock nut has left-hand threads. Left side lock nut has right-hand threads.
NOTE:Nut m ust be replaced if lock flange splits or cracks during staking process. DO NOT stake with a sharp
edged tool.
NOTE:Right side lock nut has left-hand threads. Left side lock nut has right-hand threads.
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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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