Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup, 2012 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2012 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2012 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorber or strut tube. The shock absorber and strut tube are gas pressurized and could explode if heated. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. They must be replaced with the same part number or an equivalent part 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.

NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the stabilizer link nut.

Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
Index-mark the spring and the spring upper insulator.

Fig 1: Identifying Index-Mark Spring And Spring Upper Seat
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a suitable jack, support the front axle assembly.
Remove and discard the front shock absorber lower bolt and flagnut.
- To install, tighten the new bolt to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link upper nut.
- To install, tighten the new nut to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
Lower the axle and remove the spring.

NOTE: Inspect the spring upper and lower seats, install new as necessary.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.