Front Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Ford Expedition. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified.

1.

NOTE: The wheel speed sensor electrical connector is located in the engine compartment secured to the fender apron.

Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.

GFD134318

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2.

Remove the brake disc. Refer to Front Disc Brake .

3.

Remove the bolt and detach the wheel speed sensor wiring.

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4.

Remove the dust cap.

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5.

Remove and discard the axle nut.

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6.

NOTE: Do not use a hammer to separate the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle or damage to the wheel knuckle may result.

NOTE: Use care when installing the tie rod separator or damage to the outer tie-rod end boot may occur.

Remove and discard the tie rod end nut and using a Tie-rod Separator, separate the tie rod end from the wheel knuckle.

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7.

Remove the bolt and position aside the brake hose and Integrated Wheel End(IWE) vacuum hose bracket.

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8.

NOTE: If equipped with dynamic suspension.

NOTE: Right Hand(RH) connector shown Left Hand(LH) connector similar. Actual connector locations may vary.

Disconnect the shock absorber and spring assembly electrical connector.

GFD134296

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9.

NOTE: If equipped with dynamic suspension.

NOTE: RH attachment locations shown LH attachment locations similar. Actual attachment locations may vary.

Disconnect the shock absorber and spring assembly wiring harness clips.

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10.

NOTE: The suspension height sensors must be disconnected prior to servicing suspension components. Damage to the suspension height sensors and/or the vehicle dynamic suspension system may occur. The sensors will need to be recalibrated after reassembly.

NOTE: If equipped with dynamic suspension.

Remove the height sensor arm bracket screw and position aside the bracket.

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11.

Remove the 3 IWE bolts.

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12.

Remove and discard the upper ball joint nut.

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13.

NOTE: Be sure not to damage the ball joint boot when installing the Ball Joint Separator.

Using Special Tool(s): Separator, Ball Joint 204-592, separate the upper ball joint from the wheel knuckle.

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14.

Remove and discard the lower ball joint nut.

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15.

NOTE: Do not use a prying device or separator fork between the ball joint and the wheel knuckle. Damage to the ball joint or ball joint seal may result.

NOTE: Use care when releasing the lower arm and wheel knuckle into the resting position or damage to the ball joint seal may occur.

Using Special Tool(s): Separator, Ball Joint 204-592. Separate the ball joint from the wheel knuckle assembly. Remove the wheel knuckle.

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16.

NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stud from turning while removing the nut.

Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link upper nut.

GFD134335

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17.

Remove and discard the 2 lower shock absorber nuts.

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18.

Remove and discard the 3 shock absorber and spring assembly upper nuts.

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19.
- 1.
  
  Position the lower arm assembly down.
- 2.
  
  Remove the shock absorber and spring assembly.

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20.

NOTE: If the individual spring and/or shock components are not being serviced, continue to the installation procedure.

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

Compress the spring until the tension is released from the shock absorber.General Equipment: Spring Compressor.

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21.

NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the shock rod from turning while removing the nut.

Remove and discard the strut rod nut.

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22.

Separate the shock absorber from the spring.

GFD134305

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