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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1083 (Rear Suspension) >> Removal And Installation >> Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - 2WD >> Removal

Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - 2WD: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number, or an equivalent part, 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 to make sure of correct retention of these parts.
  1. Measure the distance from the center of the hub to the lip of the fender with the vehicle in a level, static ground position (curb height).
    Fig 1: Identifying Distance From Center Of Hub To Lip Of Fender
    G03988340Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. Remove the interior trim to access the upper shock absorber nut.
  3. Remove and discard the upper shock absorber-to-mount nut.
  4. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
  5. Using a suitable jack stand, support the front of the vehicle.
  6. CAUTION: When removing the rear brake caliper, never allow it to hang from the brake caliper flexible hose. Provide a suitable support.
  7. Remove the rear brake caliper anchor plate bolts and position the brake caliper assembly aside.
  8. Raise the vehicle on the hoist to access the suspension.
  9. Position a V-topped transmission jack under the wheel knuckle at the trailing arm and wheel knuckle attachment point.
  10. Raise the wheel knuckle until the toe-link is parallel to the ground.
    Fig 2: Identifying Wheel Knuckle
    G03988355Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Remove and discard the trailing arm-to-knuckle bolt.
  12. Lower the transmission jack.
  13. Remove and discard the trailing arm-to-subframe bolt.
  14. Position the V-topped transmission jack under the lower shock absorber mount, then raise it enough to compress the shock absorber and spring.
  15. Remove the lower arm-to-knuckle bolt.
  16. Loosen the shock absorber and spring assembly lower bolt.
  17. Lower and remove the transmission jack.
  18. Remove and discard the shock absorber lower bolt.
  19. While holding the shock absorber and spring assembly, swing the lower arm down to access and remove the shock absorber and spring.