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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.0 3, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 976 (Front Suspension - Four Wheel Drive (4WD) -- F150) >> Removal And Installation >> Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly >> Removal and Installation

Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect the performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation is necessary. Do not use a new part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.
  1. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
  2. Remove and discard the 4 shock absorber upper mount-to-frame nuts.
    • To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
  3. CAUTION: Do not hammer the ball stud to separate it from the wheel knuckle. Doing so can cause damage. Lightly tap the wheel knuckle to loosen the joint.
  4. Remove and discard the lower ball joint-to-wheel knuckle nut.
    • To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
  5. Separate the lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle.
  6. CAUTION: Use the hex holding feature to prevent the ball studs (upper control arm, lower control arm and tie rod end, and stabilizer bar links) from turning while removing and installing the nuts.
    Fig 1: Removing Tie-Rod-To-Wheel Knuckle Nut
    G03959843Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Remove and discard the tie-rod-to-wheel knuckle nut.
    • To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
  8. Separate the tie-rod from the wheel knuckle.
  9. Remove and discard the shock absorber-to-lower arm bolt.
    • To install, tighten to 475 Nm (351 lb-ft).
  10. Remove the shock absorber and spring assembly from the vehicle.
  11. NOTE: Do not tighten the nuts until the installation procedure is complete and the weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheel and tire assemblies.
  12. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
    1. Always install new:
      • Shock absorber upper mount-to-frame nuts.
      • Lower ball joint-to-wheel knuckle nuts.
      • Tie-rod-to-wheel knuckle nuts.
      • Shock absorber-to-lower arm bolts.