Lincoln Nautilus: Rear End Sheet Metal Repairs / Rear Suspension Bracket Reinforcement. Removal and Installation

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Removal

NOTE: LH side shown, RH side similar.

NOTE: Factory welds may be substituted with resistance or metal inert gas (MIG) plug welds. Resistance welds may not be placed directly over original location. They must be placed adjacent to original location and match factory welds in quantity. Metal inert gas (MIG) plug welds must equal factory welds in both location and quantity.

NOTE: Adequately protect all adjacent areas against cutting, grinding and welding procedures.

1. Remove the lower suspension arm and spring.
   Refer to: Lower Arm (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
   Refer to: Spring (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove the spring seat.
   

1. Remove the welds and bracket.
   Use the General Equipment: Spot Weld Drill Bit

Installation

NOTICE: If refinishing cure temperatures exceed 60° C (140° F), the charge port light ring on plug-in vehicles must be removed.

NOTE: LH side shown, RH side similar.

NOTE: Factory welds may be substituted with resistance or metal inert gas (MIG) plug welds. Resistance welds may not be placed directly over original location. They must be placed adjacent to original location and match factory welds in quantity. Metal inert gas (MIG) plug welds must equal factory welds in both location and quantity.

NOTE: Adequately protect all adjacent areas against cutting, grinding and welding procedures.

1. Drill plug weld holes in the replacement bracket.
   Use the General Equipment: 8 mm Drill Bit

1. Install, properly position, clamp and weld the replacement bracket.
   Use the General Equipment: Locking Pliers
   Use the General Equipment: MIG/MAG Welding Equipment

1. Refinish the entire repair using a Ford approved paint system.
   

1. Restore corrosion protection.
   Refer to: Corrosion Prevention (501-25 Body Repairs - General Information, General Procedures).
   

1. Install the rear spring seat.
   

1. Install the lower suspension arm and spring.
   Refer to: Lower Arm (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).
   Refer to: Spring (204-02 Rear Suspension, Removal and Installation).