I had the opportunity to take pics while changing the fluid and high pressure filter on my '05 Freestyle. It has 107k miles and this is the first CVT service. I have had zero issues with this transmission and was a little reluctant to open things up. I plan on keeping this car for several more years so I decided it was necessary.
Important notes and summary to see if this is for you:
I would call this procedure above the skill level of your average do it your-selfer (oil changes, radiator flush etc) and about the right skill level for you shade tree mechanics (brakes, axles, rear plugs etc). If you plan a drain and refill only, the average do it your-selfer should be just fine.
You will need some special tools - #25 and #40 torx bits, 20" long 3/8" socket extension, 18" or so funnel or fill tube, loctite or similar threadlocker.
Parts: 6 quarts Ford CVT fluid XT-7-QCFT, CVT high pressure filter kit FT-178
Time: took about 3.5 hours total
Procedure: Locate MAF sensor on air intake and disconnect (slide red clip up then pull entire plug firmly).
P1020052.jpg Unhook air filter cover then move/bend cover out of the way.
P1020044.jpg I also removed the lower portion of the air filter but it was not necessary. You now have access to the filler cap and dipstick!
P1020043.jpg Remove filler cap/plug by using the 3/8" socket extesion (no socket on the end, the cap fits like a socket). This took some effort but finally 'broke' and unscrewed easily. At this point I drained the fluid by removing the fluid pan plug using the #40 torx bit.
P1020047.jpg. You want to catch in a clean, empty bucket so you can easily measure and replace what comes out. Mine emptied about 5.25 quarts. The old fluid was clear orange-brown and the new fluid was a light, clear blue-green.
P1020056.jpg If you were just doing a drain and fill, you're nearly done. You can find fluid level checking procedures detailed on this and other sites. It is temperature dependent.
Now for the fun part. Lift the front driver corner of the car and safely block in place. Remove the wheel and you will catch a glimpse of your target, the high pressure filter cover! I have circled two of the three #25 torx bolts that must come out.
P1020064.jpg. Don't remove these yet, we have to get one more thing out of the way to make this happen (ok two things, the wheel well splash guard/liner will need to be either removed or bent out of the way). Remove the transmission support (six bolts). This may sound scary but it's not. The bracket is two part with a heavy rubber bumper in between, so it has wiggle room. Just gently support the transmission (I used the tire jack with a scrap of wood) and then use the socket extension to get the torque needed to break the bolts loose. Notice the blue/green flakes in the four upper bolt holes. These bolts were locked in place with blue loctite so replace them with same.
P1020040.jpg The support then easily lifts out and looks like this:
P1020041.jpg. We now have a clear shot at all three torx bolts and plenty of room to work. Notice the tire jack with scrap of wood supporting the transmission. This is also a clear picture of the high pressure filter cover and fluid cooler tubes.
P1020042.jpg
See next post for more
CVT Filter and Fluid Change with PICS! Part 1 
Threaded Mode
