Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - Front Wheel Drive (FWD): Installation

All vehicles 

1. Position the upper spring isolator on the spring and secure the isolator with duct tape as shown in illustration.
Fig 1: Taping Upper Spring Isolator On Spring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Make sure that the coil spring is aligned correctly using the index marks made during the removal procedure. If a new spring is being installed, transfer the mark.
2. Position the spring and isolator on the shock absorber.
3. Position the shock absorber and spring assembly, aligning it with the upper mount.
4. Swing the lower arm into position under the shock absorber and spring assembly.
5. Install a new shock absorber lower bolt. Do not tighten the nut and bolt at this time.
6. Position the floor jack under the lower arm at the shock absorber mount.
7. Slowly raise the suspension with the floor jack until the top of the spring makes contact with the inside surface of the upper shock absorber mount.
NOTE: It is helpful to have an assistant watching from above the upper mount, giving direction to help center the shock absorber rod to the upper mount bushing.
8. With the aid of an assistant, continue to raise the lower arm with the floor jack, guiding the shock absorber and spring assembly, until the shock absorber rod is centered and through the upper shock absorber mount bushing.
9. Install a new upper shock absorber-to-mount nut.
   • Tighten to 52 Nm (38 lb-ft).
10. Raise the floor jack until the center of the wheel hub is at the correct curb height (measured in Step 1 of the Removal procedure).
11. Tighten the lower arm-to-subframe bolt to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).
12. Install a new lower arm-to-wheel knuckle bolt.
    • Tighten to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft).
13. Position the trailing arm to the wheel knuckle and loosely install a new bolt.
14. Install a new trailing arm-to-subframe bolt.
    • Tighten to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft).
15. Tighten the trailing arm-to-wheel knuckle bolt to 105 Nm (77 lb-ft).
16. Tighten the shock absorber lower bolt to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft).
17. Position the brake caliper and install the brake caliper anchor plate bolts.
    • Tighten to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft).
18. Install the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES article.

Wagons 

19. Install the third row safety belt anchor-to-floor bolt trim cover. For additional information, refer to Interior Trim - Exploded View in INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION article.

Sedans 

20. Install the luggage compartment rear and side trim panel.