Before You Begin:
* Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shocks. Use jack stands to securely support the vehicle after raising it. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
* Gather Tools and Parts: You'll need a jack, jack stands, various sockets and wrenches (metric), a torque wrench, a pry bar, possibly a transmission jack (highly recommended), penetrating oil (like PB Blaster), and of course, the new motor mounts. Consult a parts store or online retailer (like RockAuto) for the correct mounts for your specific engine (3.8L V6 is common). A service manual specific to your 2003 Ford Windstar is extremely helpful.
* Consult a Repair Manual: A Haynes or Chilton manual for your vehicle will provide detailed instructions, torque specifications, and diagrams. This is crucial for success.
General Steps (This is a simplified overview. Refer to your repair manual for detailed instructions):
1. Raise and Support the Vehicle: Safely raise the front of the vehicle and securely support it with jack stands.
2. Access the Motor Mounts: This often involves removing various components to gain access to the mounts. This might include:
* Removing the air intake system.
* Disconnecting various electrical connectors and vacuum lines.
* Possibly removing the fan shroud.
* Removing the access panel(s) underneath the engine bay.
3. Support the Engine/Transmission: This is *critical*. The engine and transmission are heavy. Using a transmission jack to support the transmission while removing and replacing the mounts is highly recommended to prevent damage and injury.
4. Remove the Old Motor Mounts: This usually involves removing bolts securing the mount to the engine block and the chassis. Penetrating oil may be necessary to loosen rusted bolts. Use appropriate sized sockets and wrenches. Work carefully and methodically.
5. Install the New Motor Mounts: Install the new motor mounts, ensuring they are properly seated and aligned. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque using a torque wrench.
6. Reinstall Components: Carefully reinstall all components that were removed in steps 2 & 3, ensuring all electrical connectors and vacuum lines are securely connected.
7. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
8. Test Drive: After completing the repair, test drive the vehicle to ensure the mounts are correctly installed and the engine doesn't vibrate excessively.
Important Considerations:
* Exhaust System: The exhaust system might need to be partially loosened or removed to gain better access to some of the motor mounts.
* Torque Specifications: Use a torque wrench and follow the manufacturer's specified torque for all bolts. Over-tightening can damage the mounts or surrounding components.
* Transmission Jack: Using a transmission jack to support the transmission during the repair is highly recommended to prevent damage and injury. The engine/transmission is heavy and can easily cause injury if it slips.
This is a general overview. The specific procedures and steps may vary slightly depending on your vehicle's configuration. Always consult a repair manual specific to your 2003 Ford Windstar for detailed instructions and diagrams. If you're not comfortable performing this repair, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improper installation can lead to serious damage and injury.
