Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly: Removal

NOTE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent parts, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement 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.

Remove and discard the shock absorber upper mount nuts.
Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
Remove and discard the tie-rod end nut.
Using the Ball Joint Separator, separate the tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.

Fig 1: Separating Tie-Rod End From Wheel Knuckle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Detach the flexible hose retainer from the speed sensor harness.
Remove the brake flexible hose bracket bolt and disconnect the bracket from the wheel knuckle.
Remove and discard the upper ball joint nut.
Remove and discard the shock absorber lower nut and bolt.
Using the Ball Joint Separator, disconnect the upper arm ball joint from the wheel knuckle and remove the shock absorber and spring assembly.

Fig 2: Removing Shock Absorber And Spring Assembly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: If the individual spring and/or shock components are not being serviced, continue to the Installation procedure.

NOTE: For reference during assembly, index-mark the upper mount, spring and shock absorber.

Using a suitable spring compressor, compress the spring until the tension is released from the shock absorber.

Fig 3: Compressing Shock Absorber Spring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the shock rod from turning while removing the nut.

While holding the shock rod, remove the nut and the shock absorber.
- Discard the nut.
Remove the upper mount, dust boot and insulator.

Fig 4: Locating Dust Boot, Insulator And Upper Mount

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.