Shock Absorber: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Copy the index mark from the shock absorber that was removed to the shock absorber that is being installed.

NOTE: Do not fully tighten the shock absorber upper bolt and nut at this time.

Position the shock absorber into the bracket and loosely install a new shock absorber upper bolt and nut.

NOTE: Do not allow the angle between the shock absorber and bracket to change while tightening the shock absorber upper nut or damage to the shock absorber may occur.

Align the index marks so the center line of the shock absorber is approximately 118 degrees from the alignment tab on the bracket and tighten the shock absorber upper bolt.
- For All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
- For Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles, tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Position Of Shock Absorber Center Line
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the shock absorber and bracket assembly and install the 3 new bracket bolts.
- Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
Install the upper arm. For additional information, refer to UPPER ARM in this service information.