2008 Ford Escape - FRONT REPLACEMENT: Control Arms, Struts, Knuckles, Tie Rods, ABS Sensors

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The referenced process should be the same as a Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute of the same 2008-2012 model year body configuration.
In this video, I replace the following components:
Front Struts
Front Lower Control Arms
Tie Rods
Stabilizer Links
Front ABS Sensors
Front Brakes
Stabilizer Bushings
⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While I strive to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, I make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. David Stumph is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.
Please be sure to double-check any of the torque specifications I mention before assuming they are 100% accurate.

[@garybates7021]

This is probably the best auto repair video I’ve ever seen. I can’t believe you got the sway bar links off - that’s testimony for spending a few extra bucks the first time you replace them. I know you suffered for this job. I have the same car - it’s a rust-ridden nightmare. Fantastic work, brother.

[@lucasglowacki4683]

Props for wearing an Apple Watch with a white silicone band while dealing with this mess😂 I won’t be wearing mine if I attempt this…I’m sure it would be totalled after.

[@michael931]

I'm surprised the subframe was still good.

[@jimmywilson1388]

Good lord, I’m glad I don’t live up north or near the ocean…😅 My 08 Escape has more than double the miles and it’s in way better shape. No offense, but that’s horrible… 😄

[@jimmywilson1388]

There’s one channel I watch called sweet project cars, he made some kind of home brew rust protection… He said it works great and he’s been using it for years. I can’t remember exactly what he used but maybe you can find it on his channel. ✌🏼

[@Deeman745]

Not sure what it is. But you are the most informative & straightforward creator I’ve come across. You’re Much appreciated .

[@pillarglass1623]

You the greatest.God bless you

[@zeno15sti33]

Rusty, Milwaukee is your friend

[@Sporttster]

WHY do you have your expensive watch on while doing this?? You're gonna scratch that sucker all to crap!!

[@DavidStumph]

Lack of common sense, really.

[@uncommon07]

My 2009 escape with 175k miles needs this same exact maintenance. Unfortunately I don't have my own shop or garage. Are you near the NYC area?? I'd pay to have you do this work on mine.

[@jamesrichardson771]

I can't hardly believe just how WELL" this video was narrated and explained ! Very nice !!! 🎙 🛠

[@sakian2]

This is the best video for ford escape suspension works. Great job man. You're awesome

[@jamesrichardson771]

Outstanding💥 🛠 Very" Nice !!!

[@ericbuist8218]

Too bad you didn't make this video last year when I did almost all of this same work on our 2003 Escape!

[@spacenintari]

Was that speed sensor only located on the passenger side or did the driver side also have one as well? I definitely plan on purchasing the factory OEM sensor rather than I an aftermarket one to ensure I do not get a check engine light after doing lots of work. also, would you recommend using antiseize in the grooves that the CV connects with the Will bearing hub assembly or do you not recommend that? i’m planning on doing suspension work to my 2010 escape at some point soon so this video will be a godsend to help me through the process I’m replacing the wheel hub assembly , control arm, shocks sway bars, and assuming I will have to replace the speed sensor as well. Fortunately, my tie rods are still in good conditions, so I’m going to leave those alone and just continue using them, I Purchased monroe shocks , moog control arm, moog sway bars ,and new wheel bearing hub assemblies that have countless excellent reviews so hopefully all of these parts will last.

[@DavidStumph]

Speed sensor on both sides. First 10 seconds of the video is the driver side and you see it hanging and disconnected. You can use anti seize on the cv to hub assembly mating.

[@edgrigsby8610]

My 2011 has 212k. I replaced the drivers side ball joint and bearing. Now it's time for the passengers side and strut replacement

[@carterdrake5283]

Great video man. Love the layout of the step by step process, commentary without the extra noise, and fast forward. Some DIY repair videos are so boring and unengaging to watch, this was not! Straight to the point, no BS, and good camera angles. Will definitely help me on my upcoming identical project. Thanks and well done!

[@carterdrake5283]

Also, curious what size axle nut socket you needed for this? I also have a 2008 Escape. Thanks!

[@DavidStumph]

Thanks so much for the commentary and the PayPal donation. Very much appreciated! 32mm for the axle socket.

[@ericgutierrez7994]

Is the purple grease just generic silicone grease?

[@DavidStumph]

The purple from permatex used to be petroleum based which is not good for rubber gaskets. The new stuff reads safe for rubber. I still use the orange for rubber and purple for contact points. Your call. amzn.to/3T6qek4 - PURPLE BRAKE LUBRICANT

[@kadeemmiddleton8373]

When are you doing a video on 2008 ford escape evaporator removal.

[@KnobbyHobby4130]

Clear & concise instructions thanks, most informitave.

[@reneelamp7450]

Wow, informative. Sad I have to risk dealing with shops that should know what they're doing. Excellent education.

[@sgt.mikebaran7105]

Replaced CVs, Outers T Rods, Hubs And Bearings And Lower Ball Joints..Still Have Annoying Vibration Drivers Side....Struts And Sway Bar Links Next Followed By Alignment...

[@luisherrera3896]

This is an excelent video of how to. great job!

[@nemesis_ftw2596]

About to work on '05 this week. Very informative video. I'm doing the outer rods, end links, struts, control arms and brakes. My cradle still looks alright since I know that's a common part that fails on these Fords.

[@DavidStumph]

Good luck!

[@Astupidalias]

How'd it go? About to the same on my '05

[@nycsheki]

Such a well done and informative video, thank you for taking the time to put it together! Your poor hands, they're torn up by the end of the video...

[@M0N0T0N0US]

That’s a lot of rust bro! Might need a new car soon..

[@DavidStumph]

It’s gone!

[@noelcolon3801]

Great info. Doing mine next weekend……awesome details!

[@MikeSenese]

Perfect video. Thank you for making this.

[@AdventureFreak86]

Really appreciate how you did this video!

[@ChargerX4u]

Those sheet metal jackstands in the video are extremely dangerous and should be outlawed. I had a pair under the front of a full size van and they just collapsed almost killing my friend. Spend $40 for a heavy duty set of stands. You life is worth $40.

[@Sporttster]

Do you put grease on the axel shaft when inserting it into the knuckle? Seems like that would need greased.

[@DavidStumph]

Negative. Grease goes inside the boots of the axle CV joints.

[@felixcaceres4051]

Fantastic instructional video...great job

[@jds1vette]

Nice work.

[@conservativethought1460]

I was doing the lower control arms on a 08 Ford Escape. I watched a couple videos where the guys having a struggle with it. I It did it in the order you did ...Thank God everything came out and went in great. I just wanted to thank you for the info. May God bless you.

[@DavidStumph]

Whew! Glad to hear. Glad it worked!

[@kyrosgranazis5362]

Thanks! Great video-guide!

[@frits4ever]

Really nice work .. You answered lot of my questions with this video . I am more confident now to tackle the job ..

[@DavidStumph]

Glad to hear this. Good luck, you can do it! Hoping for bolts that break free with ease!

[@evaristotejada9520]

Hola desde RD excelente trabajo

[@RGcorbett]

Is it possible to just replace the control arm bushings??? Instead of the entire control arm …. A whole new control arm is expensive

[@Nocturnal11Guy]

Wow!

[@StevehBe]

This is the best damn video on this subject. Outstanding!!!

[@DavidStumph]

Thank you!!

[@StevehBe]

@@DavidStumph I am currently replacing all these parts on my son's car. Wish I found this video 10 days ago! A huge help!!

[@DavidStumph]

I have all the video for the rear components, but I’ve been putting off editing it. Takes forever.

[@richardmast9667]

This is possibly the best damn video on any subject!

[@christopher6161]

Did the same job on the same car and it still rode like a piece of shit. I came to the eventual conclusion that it was, in fact, just a piece of shit new

[@DavidStumph]

🤣 that’s sad to hear. I have an upcoming video where I also did the rear end. After all that and an alignment, mine rides significantly better.... that said... it’s still a 2008 Ford Escape ..

[@josuelopez1913]

Hey man I appreciate it I will be doing this job in the next few day on this 02 Ford Escape. Easily to understand and good explanation 💯🦾

[@davidleleaux2426]

Thank you! Hope this solves our noise problem.

[@raymanlarin836]

Thanks for your video. I have same model and your video helped me fix it myself, good luck

[@johndi1962]

LOL I have the same jack stand

[@fabio40]

Moog links are the good ones.

[@thomvogan3397]

Surprised you didn't have to replace the K frame, these are notorious for rusting out on Escapes and are a safety hazard

[@britengineerinmindanaothep9376]

great video best i have seen

[@LearnByDoingGarage]

Great information! My 08 has 167k miles so ill need to do all this soon!

[@DavidStumph]

Good luck, hope it works out well! I have similar info and footage for the rear too, but haven’t had time to edit the video..

[@LearnByDoingGarage]

@@DavidStumph I look forward to it!

[@zachrolf1454]

@@DavidStumph did you ever get to editing that video of the rear? Would be incredibly helpful to see!

[@zachrolf1454]

Do you by chance have a step-by-step for the rear of the vehicle? I thought you mentioned you have worked on that as well? Thanks for this awesome video

[@DavidStumph]

Yeah….still need to get that out… maybe in the next few weeks… sorry for the delay.

[@zachrolf1454]

@@DavidStumph Sounds Good. Was going to do mine as well soon and thought i would ask. Thanks again

[@Nanoparticle7]

Bro, awesome job, your video helps, I got all the torque specs in one video, I’m doing the job now but I need to replace the axles and ext axles because I could not get the axles loose from the knuckle I beat on them and beat on them for hours, finally they came out of the knuckle but only after hitting them with a 5 lb hammer, needless to say I destroyed the axle and bolt, it was almost like they were welded on, I have the issue separating the other part of the axle to the cv intermediate shaft, I still can separate the two even with a slide hammer. So I just ordered the shaft and and drive axle. All the videos I watched made it look so easy. Thanks again bro you did good work in this video very informative

[@DavidStumph]

This vehicle was almost the death of me. So much rust everywhere. Pain.

[@Nanoparticle7]

@@DavidStumph I still got to do the drivers side any advice on how to get the axle out of the knuckle without destroying it again.

[@DavidStumph]

PB blaster, maybe a torch, force. Expletives. Maybe a prayer after all that. Sorry buddy, that’s about all I can offer. Good luck on that second one. Interested to hear how it turns out.

[@Nanoparticle7]

@@DavidStumph ok thanks

[@kylemattix5561]

Best repair video iv ever seen lol good job dude

[@rapalafishing7827]

I’m going to do this for my moms Ford how long did it take you to finish

[@DavidStumph]

Over the course of two days, probably about 18-24 hours. First time, rust, hand tools. Videoing it well ...might have added significant time....

[@rapalafishing7827]

@@DavidStumph oh okay I’m a young mechanic I’m going to automotive school in August can’t wait just have to finish high school, I work mainly on chevys and my dads foxbody till my brother bought her this Ford lol

[@DrCox-p8x]

This is a better than average video. I have done this entire process to my escpe hybrid and i enjoyed this video. The only thing i shall add is anticease grease on reassembly. In moderation on the axle splines, around the bolts before installing the new rotors, where the tie rods meets the knuckle, and on the rotor where the rim meets the rotor. Also, i would take the lock nut for the out tie rod and twist the tie rod while holding thebinner tierod to match distance on re assembly.

[@ceeweedsl]

Looks like you got the Mevotech premium control arm. How is it doing so far?

[@DavidStumph]

It held up well over the next six months while I had the vehicle no complaints, full disclosure I sold the escape, so where that part is now is anyones guess. :)

[@ceeweedsl]

@@DavidStumph Thanks!