Disassembly and Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Sable and 2005 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: All vehicles are equipped with gas-pressurized front shock absorbers (18124) which will extend unassisted. Do not apply heat or flame to the front shock absorber during removal or disassembly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation is necessary. Do not use a new 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.

WARNING: The strut assembly is under spring tension. Attempting to disassemble the strut without correctly compressing the spring can result in personal injury.

Using a suitable spring compressor, slightly compress the spring to remove initial tension. While holding the strut rod, loosen the nut. Continue to compress the spring until tension is relieved.

NOTE: The washers on either side of the upper mount and seat-bearing assembly are unique and cannot be interchanged. Note the position of each washer during removal for installation reference.

Fig 1: Removing Upper Mount And Seat-Bearing Assembly - With Torque Specification

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

While holding the strut rod, remove and discard the nut. Remove the cupped washer and the upper mount and seat-bearing assembly.
Inspect the upper mount and seat-bearing assembly. The spring insulator should not be cracked, torn or distorted, and the bearing should turn freely without grinding. Install a new upper mount and seat-bearing assembly, if necessary.

Fig 2: Inspecting Upper Mount And Seat-Bearing Assembly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the strut and the dished washer.
- Remove the dust boot.
- Remove the jounce bumpers and insulators.
Fig 3: Removing Jounce Bumpers And Insulators
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The seat-bearing assembly is press-fit onto the upper mount by hand. The mount washers must be assembled with the cupped side of the washer facing away from the mount and seat-bearing assembly.

CAUTION: Do not over tighten the strut rod lock nut. Damage to the lock nut or strut rod can result.

NOTE: Make sure the spring is correctly seated in both spring seats.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.