Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Lincoln Navigator. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified.

Remove the wheel and tire. Refer to: Wheel and Tire .
NOTE: Do not use a hammer to separate the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle may result.

NOTE: Use care when installing the tie rod separator or damage to the outer tie-rod end boot may occur.
1. Remove and discard the tie rod end nut.
2. Separate the tie rod end from the wheel knuckle. Use the General Equipment: Tie Rod End Remover
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1. Remove the wheel speed sensor wire bracket bolt.
2. Remove the brake hose bracket bolt and position the brake hose aside.
3. Detach the wheel speed sensor harness retainers and position the wheel speed sensor aside.
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NOTE: The suspension height sensors must be disconnected prior to servicing suspension components. Damage to the suspension height sensors and/or the vehicle dynamic suspension system may occur. The sensors will need to be recalibrated after reassembly.

NOTE: If equipped with dynamic suspension.

Remove the height sensor arm bracket screw and position aside the bracket.

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Remove and discard the upper ball joint nut.

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NOTE: Be sure not to damage the ball joint boot when installing the Ball Joint Separator.

Separate the upper ball joint from the wheel knuckle. Use Special Service Tool: 204-592 Separator, Lower Arm Ball Joint.

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NOTE: Do not use power tools to remove or install the stabilizer bar link nuts. Damage to the stabilizer bar link ball joints and boots may occur.

NOTE: The stabilizer bar links are designed with low friction ball joints that have a low breakaway torque.

NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the stabilizer bar link nut.

Remove and discard the front stabilizer link upper nut.

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Remove and discard the shock absorber and spring assembly lower nuts.

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Remove and discard the shock absorber and spring assembly upper nuts.

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NOTE: If equipped with dynamic suspension.

NOTE: RH side only.
- Disconnect the shock absorber and spring assembly electrical connector from the RH side frame.
- Disconnect the shock absorber and spring assembly wiring harness clips from the frame and position aside.
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NOTE: If equipped with dynamic suspension.

NOTE: LH side only.

Disconnect the shock absorber and spring assembly electric connector.

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NOTE: If equipped with dynamic suspension.

NOTE: LH side only.
- Disconnect the shock absorber and spring assembly wiring harness clips.
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1. Position the lower arm and wheel knuckle down to gain clearance for removing the shock absorber and spring assembly.
2. Remove the shock absorber and spring assembly.
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NOTE: If the individual spring and/or shock components are not being serviced, continue to the installation procedure.

NOTE: For reference during assembly, index the upper mount, spring and shock absorber.

Compress the spring until the tension is released from the shock absorber. Use the General Equipment: Spring Compressor

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NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the shock rod from turning while removing the nut.

Remove and discard the shock rod nut.

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Remove the upper mount and the shock absorber from the spring. Use the General Equipment: Spring Compressor

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