How do you use the hex holding feature?
#1
Something
Thread Starter
How do you use the hex holding feature?
2005 5.4L XLT 4x4, all stock suspension equipment.
Hi, I am new to working on suspension equipment. I am trying to replace some stuff in my front end (hub assy., IWE act. and upper control arm) and am trying to learn how to utilize the hex holding feature. What is this and how do I do it to stop the steering knuckle from turning while removing annoying nuts and bolts? I was down in there and I figured out a way to stop the thing from turning using my legs but I lost the right size socket for a crutial step so I am going back in tomorrow. I would like to use this feature to make things faster, easier and to save my back and legs from undue pain. I have searched and searched, but all I can find is people saying to use this feature to prevent the knuckle from turning, no one tells you how to actually do this. It must be real easy and it's probably right in front of me but I must be blind. Thanks for any help everyone.
Hi, I am new to working on suspension equipment. I am trying to replace some stuff in my front end (hub assy., IWE act. and upper control arm) and am trying to learn how to utilize the hex holding feature. What is this and how do I do it to stop the steering knuckle from turning while removing annoying nuts and bolts? I was down in there and I figured out a way to stop the thing from turning using my legs but I lost the right size socket for a crutial step so I am going back in tomorrow. I would like to use this feature to make things faster, easier and to save my back and legs from undue pain. I have searched and searched, but all I can find is people saying to use this feature to prevent the knuckle from turning, no one tells you how to actually do this. It must be real easy and it's probably right in front of me but I must be blind. Thanks for any help everyone.
#3
Something
Thread Starter
hex stud ends? I dono
I don't know, maybe that is what they are talking about. All I know is there is this thing called the "hex holding feature" that I guess some mechanic came up with or maybe it is something Ford and other manufacturer's put on their front suspensions that will hold the steerling knuckle in place while you wrestle to remove control arm and tie rod nuts and bolts. Without it the darn steerling knuckle move from left to right as you wrench the nuts. Maybe this is it, from what I have read though it sounds like it is something to keep the entire steerling knuckle assembly from moving at all. But really I have no idea. I use those hex end studs for removing stuff so I do know to use them, maybe that is it and I was just thinking too much into this thing. It seems that it would be dangerous to install a feature that would lock up your steering. What if it locked while you were driving.
Well, thanks for the thoughts.
Well, thanks for the thoughts.
#4
Senior Member
I think they are talking about what I'm referring to, in that case all you do is use a wrench/rachet on the end of the stud and another on the nut, here's the excerpt from the service manual:
Lower Arm
Removal and Installation
CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital parts and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.
CAUTION: Use the holding feature to prevent the ball studs (lower ball joint and stabilizer bar links) from turning while removing and installing the nuts.
CAUTION: Do not strike the ball studs to separate them from the wheel knuckle or damage to the ball studs can occur. Lightly tap the wheel knuckle to loosen the ball studs.
NOTE: The upper ball joint, the lower ball joint and the tie-rod end ball studs do not require special tools to separate from the wheel knuckle.
Lower Arm
Removal and Installation
CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital parts and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.
CAUTION: Use the holding feature to prevent the ball studs (lower ball joint and stabilizer bar links) from turning while removing and installing the nuts.
CAUTION: Do not strike the ball studs to separate them from the wheel knuckle or damage to the ball studs can occur. Lightly tap the wheel knuckle to loosen the ball studs.
NOTE: The upper ball joint, the lower ball joint and the tie-rod end ball studs do not require special tools to separate from the wheel knuckle.
- Remove the wheel knuckle.
- Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link lower nut.
-
- To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 ft. lbs.) .
- Remove and discard the shock absorber lower nut and bolt.
-
- To install, tighten to 475 Nm (351 ft. lbs.) .
- Remove the lower arm-to-frame nuts, bolts and the lower arm.
-
- Discard the nuts and bolts.
- To install, tighten the nuts to 350 Nm (259 ft. lbs.) .
- NOTE: Do not tighten the lower arm-to-frame nuts until the installation procedure is complete and the weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheel and tire assemblies. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Check and, if necessary, align the front end.