StrongFord
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2015
- Threads
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- 332
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- Location
- SE Michigan
- Vehicle(s)
- 2015 GT Premium, MT, Deep Impact Blue, 401A
- Thread starter
- #1
I see many posts regarding the difficulty of installing the Ford Performance Track Pack toe link bearing to the lower control arm. Many recommend removing the lower control arm and use a hydraulic press. That will work, but here is my how-to from my personal experience for those who want to try it themselves. It can be done!
Here's my how-to:
Tools needed...
- A loaner ball joint c-clamp press kit - auto parts store
- 1-1/4" impact socket - required! This is the exact diameter needed to press the bushing evenly.
- Basic hand tools
- Detatch the toe link
- You'll need a breaker bar or long handle ratchet to crank the c-clamp.
- Set up the c-clamp for the initial press and break bushing free. It'll give you a snap to let you know it started.
- At this point I was only pressing flush to the control arm to gain clearance for the 1-1/4" socket.
- Once flush, remove c-clamp and set it back up using the socket. Notice how the socket just fits, that's why I pressed it flush first.
- Trick/recommendation - use your floor jack to hold pressure on the c-clamp to keep it from pivoting. That will give you more leverage with the ratchet and keep the c-clamp from falling off constantly.
- Press away! Once you get it broken free keep turning that ratchet. Keep it going!
Now for in the install, which is easier.
- Square up the new bearing and hit it with your purse until it stays in place.
Set your c-clamp back up and press it home.
Make sure it is squared up to the control arm! That is the most important part. If it's crooked it will NOT press, regardless of the method. The groove on the bearing will help you see if it's square.
There you go! Soak in the satisfaction! If you made it this far, rest easy knowing the other side will now be EASIER! The first bearing (these photos) took me couple of hours as I was figuring it out as I went, but the second bearing was done in within 30 minutes!
Good luck and have fun with those S550 Mustangs!!!
Here's my how-to:
Tools needed...
- A loaner ball joint c-clamp press kit - auto parts store
- 1-1/4" impact socket - required! This is the exact diameter needed to press the bushing evenly.
- Basic hand tools
- Detatch the toe link
- You'll need a breaker bar or long handle ratchet to crank the c-clamp.
- Set up the c-clamp for the initial press and break bushing free. It'll give you a snap to let you know it started.
- At this point I was only pressing flush to the control arm to gain clearance for the 1-1/4" socket.
- Once flush, remove c-clamp and set it back up using the socket. Notice how the socket just fits, that's why I pressed it flush first.
- Trick/recommendation - use your floor jack to hold pressure on the c-clamp to keep it from pivoting. That will give you more leverage with the ratchet and keep the c-clamp from falling off constantly.
- Press away! Once you get it broken free keep turning that ratchet. Keep it going!
Now for in the install, which is easier.
- Square up the new bearing and hit it with your purse until it stays in place.
Set your c-clamp back up and press it home.
Make sure it is squared up to the control arm! That is the most important part. If it's crooked it will NOT press, regardless of the method. The groove on the bearing will help you see if it's square.
There you go! Soak in the satisfaction! If you made it this far, rest easy knowing the other side will now be EASIER! The first bearing (these photos) took me couple of hours as I was figuring it out as I went, but the second bearing was done in within 30 minutes!
Good luck and have fun with those S550 Mustangs!!!
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