Strut Assembly: Disassembly
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1999 Mercury Mystique, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 1999 Ford Contour, 1998 Mercury Mystique, and 1998 Ford Contour. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Place strut assembly in Strut Spring Compressor (014-00781), and compress spring. Remove top mount nut, bushing, strut mounting bracket, and spring seat. Gradually release spring compressor. Remove spring, dust boot, and jounce bumper.