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 components because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. Install new components with the same component number or an equivalent component if installation is necessary. Do not use an installation component of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these components.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Using a suitable jack, support the rear axle.
Remove and discard the shock absorber lower nut and bolt.
- To install, tighten the new nut and bolt to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
Remove and discard the shock absorber upper nut and remove the shock absorber.
- To install, tighten the new nut to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).
To install, reverse the removal procedure.