3.7L DOHC
3.7L DOHC
2.3L GTDI
2.3L GTDI
2.0L GTDI
3.5L TiVCT

AWD/
FWD
AWD

Order
Quantity

Claim
Quantity

1

1

1

1

FWD
AWD
FWD

As Required
Left Rear Knuckle
As Required
Right Rear Knuckle
As Required
Wheel Hub Nut (1 nut per side)
As Required
Brake Caliper Bolts (2 bolts per side)
As Required
Brake Disk Retainer Bolt (1 bolt per side)
As Required
Rear Stabilizer Link Nut (1 nut per side)
As Required
Shock Absorber Bolt (1 bolt per side)
As Required
Trailing Arm Bolt (1 bolt per side)
As Required
Trailing Arm Nut (1 nut per side)
Upper Control Arm, Lower Control Arm Bolt (2 bolts
As Required
-W715127-S439
per side)
Upper Control Arm, Lower Control Arm Nut (2 nuts
As Required
-W520517-S440
per side)
As Required
-W714516-S439
Wheel Hub Bolts (4 bolts per side)
Note: The rear toe link kits contain the parts necessary to replace the toe links on both sides of the
vehicle.
Order your parts through normal order processing channels. To guarantee the shortest delivery time,
an emergency order for parts must be placed.
Less than 2% of the affected vehicle population is expected to require wheel knuckle replacement due
to a toe link ball joint failure.
DB5Z-5B759-B
DB5Z-5B758-B
-W712435-S439
-W710681-S439
-W708733-S439
-W520213-S440
-W714033-S439
-W715419-S439
-W520516-S441

DEALER PRICE
For latest prices, refer to DOES II.

 Copyright 2021 Ford Motor Company

ATTACHMENT II
Page 3 of 3
Customer Satisfaction Program 21B14
Certain 2013 through 2017 Model Year Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles that are
Registered or Sold in Certain States/Provinces
Rear Toe Link Ball Joint Inspection
PARTS RETENTION, RETURN, & SCRAPPING
Follow the provisions of the Warranty and Policy Manual, Section 1 - WARRANTY PARTS
RETENTION AND RETURN POLICIES. If a replaced part receives a scrap disposition, the part must
be scrapped in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal environmental protection and
hazardous material regulations. Federal law prohibits selling motor vehicle parts or components that
are under safety, compliance, or emissions recall.
EXCESS STOCK RETURN
Excess stock returned for credit must have been purchased from Ford Customer Service Division in
accordance with Policy Procedure Bulletin 4000.

 Copyright 2021 Ford Motor Company

ATTACHMENT III
PAGE 1 OF 6
SAFETY RECALL 21B14

CERTAIN 2013-2017 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER VEHICLES — REAR SUSPENSION
TOE LINK TO WHEEL KNUCKLE BALL JOINT
SERVICE PROCEDURE
WARNING: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect performance of vital components
and systems. Tighten fasteners as specified. Measure the distance from the center of the wheel
hub to the lip of the fender with the vehicle in a level, static ground position (ride height) before
disassembly. When securing the new toe link, it must be secured at the previously measured ride
height.
WARNING: Tighten the suspension bushing fasteners with the suspension supported at ride
height or with the weight of the vehicle resting on the wheels and tires, otherwise toe link and
bushing damage may occur.
NOTE: This recall is to be performed on both the right rear and the left rear suspension.
1. Measure the distance from the center of the wheel hub to the lip of the fender with the vehicle in a level,
static ground position (ride height) before disassembly. See Figure 1.
NOTE: The new toe link adjustment sleeve jam nuts are only finger tight. The jam nuts must be

tightened to the torque specification in the Workshop Manual (WSM) even if toe adjustment is not
necessary.
NOTE: The toe links must be secured at ride height during replacement. See Figure 1.

RIDE
HEIGHT
RIDE
HEIGHT

1616A

FIGURE 1

CPR © 2021 FORD MOTOR COMPANY
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN 48121
03/2021

ATTACHMENT III
PAGE 2 OF 6
SAFETY RECALL 21B14

2. Position the vehicle on a hoist. Please follow the WSM procedures in Section 100-02.
3. Remove both rear tires. Please follow the WSM procedures in Section 204-04A.
4. Using a jack stand, support the rear suspension to ride height. See Figure 2.

2024A

FIGURE 2
5. Remove the toe link-to-wheel knuckle bolt and nut. See Figure 3.

STUD FOR
MISSING NUT
STUD FOR
MISSING NUT
STUD FOR
MISSING NUT
PLACE COPY HERE
PLACE COPY HERE
2024B

FIGURE 3
CPR © 2021 FORD MOTOR COMPANY
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN 48121
03/2021

PLACE COPY HERE

ATTACHMENT III
PAGE 3 OF 6
SAFETY RECALL 21B14

6. Install the toe link to knuckle bolt and nut. Tighten the nut while holding the bolt still with a wrench.
See Figure 4.
• Torque: 111 lb.ft (150 Nm).

TOE LINK

TOE LINK TO WHEEL
KNUCKLE BOLT AND NUT

FRONT OF
VEHICLE
2024C

FIGURE 4

STUD FOR
MISSING NUT
STUD FOR
MISSING NUT
STUD FOR
MISSING NUT
CPR © 2021 FORD MOTOR COMPANY
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN 48121
03/2021

PLACE COPY HERE
PLACE COPY HERE
PLACE COPY HERE

ATTACHMENT III
PAGE 4 OF 6
SAFETY RECALL 21B14

NOTE: When functioning properly the toe link ball joints should rotate freely. This inspection step will
determine if the ability for the ball joint to rotate freely has been affected, requiring replacement.
7. Using a digital or dial type torque wrench, rotate the toe link to wheel knuckle bolt while keeping the
ball joint straight. Do not allow the ball joint to twist as shown in the red picture below. Note the
reading off of the torque wrench when the ball joint begins to rotate. See Figure 5.

2024D

FIGURE 5
8. Repeat steps 4 through 7 on the other side.
9. Are the readings over 11 lb. ft (15 Nm)?
For RH side:

If YES - The RH ball joint has FAILED. Proceed to step 13 for replacement instructions

on this side

If NO - Proceed to Step 10 for the RH side of the vehicle.
For LH side:

If YES - The RH ball joint has FAILED. Proceed to step 13 for replacement instructions

on this side.

If NO - Proceed to Step 10 for the LH side of the vehicle.
STUD FOR
MISSING NUT
STUD FOR
MISSING NUT
STUD FOR
MISSING NUT
PLACE COPY HERE
PLACE COPY HERE
PLACE COPY HERE
CPR © 2021 FORD MOTOR COMPANY
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN 48121
03/2021

ATTACHMENT III
PAGE 5 OF 6
SAFETY RECALL 21B14

10. Install the new toe link to wheel knuckle bolt and nut with the vehicle suspension at ride height.
See Figure 6.
• Torque: 111 lb.ft (150 Nm).

NEW TOE LINK TO WHEEL
KNUCKLE BOLT AND NUT

2024E

FIGURE 6
11. Remove the jack stand. See Figure 7.

STUD FOR
MISSING NUT
STUD FOR
2024A
MISSING
NUT

FIGURE 7

STUD FOR
MISSING NUT
PLACE COPY HERE
PLACE COPY HERE

CPR © 2021 FORD MOTOR COMPANY
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN 48121
03/2021

PLACE COPY HERE

ATTACHMENT III
PAGE 6 OF 6
SAFETY RECALL 21B14

12. Install the wheel and tire. Please follow the WSM procedures in Section 204-04A. This completes the
recall.
13. Remove and discard the toe link to subframe bolt and the toe link. See Figure 8.

2024F

FIGURE 8
14. Replace the wheel knuckle. Please follow the WSM procedures in Section 204-02.
• Do not install the wheels and tires or perform the alignment at this time.
15. Install the new toe link. Please follow the WSM procedures in Section 204-02.
16. Perform an alignment. This completes the recall.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Federal law prohibits selling motor vehicle parts or components that are
under safety, compliance, or emissions recall. Unless a part is requested to be returned to Ford, all
parts replaced under this FSA must be scrapped in accordance with all applicable local, state and
federal environmental protection and hazardous material regulations. Refer to the Parts Retention,
Return, & Scrapping section of the FSA dealer bulletin for further information.
STUD FOR
MISSING NUT
STUD FOR
MISSING NUT
STUD FOR
MISSING NUT
PLACE COPY HERE
CPR © 2021 FORD MOTOR COMPANY
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN 48121
03/2021

PLACE COPY HERE
PLACE COPY HERE