Lincoln BW7Z-18124-B Shock Absorber Assembly

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The steering linkage and suspension components should be checked periodically. Worn or damaged suspension and steering linkage components can result in excessive and abnormal tire wear, poor ride quality, vehicle handling, and reduced fuel economy. To check the shock absorber, park the vehicle on level ground, turn the engine off, and set the parking brake. Check the tire pressures. Push down at one corner of the vehicle, then release it while noting the movement of the body. It should stop moving and come to rest in a level position within one or two bounces. If the vehicle continues to move up and down or if it fails to return to its original position, a worn or weak shock absorber is probably the reason. Repeat the above check at each of the three remaining corners of the vehicle. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Check the shock absorbers for evidence of fluid leakage. A light film of fluid is no cause for concern. Make sure that any fluid noted is from the shocks and not from some other source. If leakage is noted, replace the shocks as a set. Check the shock absorbers to be sure that they are securely mounted and undamaged. Check the upper mounts for damage and wear. If damage or wear is noted, replace the shock absorbers as a set (front or rear). Visually inspect the steering system components for damage and distortion. Look for leaks and damaged seals, boots, and fittings. Clean the lower end of the steering knuckle. Have an assistant grasp the lower edge of the tire and move the wheel in and out while you look for movement at the steering knuckle-to-control arm ball joint. If there is any movement, the suspension ball joint(s) must be replaced. Grasp each front tire at the front and rear edges, push in at the front, pull out at the rear, and feel for play in the steering system components. If any free play is noted, check the steering gear mounts and the tie-rod ends for looseness. Check the steering gear mount bolt tightness. If the tie-rods are loose, the ball joints may be worn.

During installation, ensure all air is expelled from a new shock absorber (for 2002 and earlier models), install all bushings and grommets in the order of removal, and use 5116-18 locknuts on the self-tapping bolts if the threads in the lower control arm are stripped or damaged. Tighten all fasteners to the specified torque, with locknuts torqued to the same specification as the bolts.

If the vehicle has an air suspension, turn the air suspension switch to On, start the engine, and let the compressor inflate the air suspension springs before driving.

If the vehicle continues to move up and down or fails to return to its original position, a worn or weak shock absorber is likely the reason.

Allow the rear axle to hang freely until the shock absorbers finish venting through the compressor. Support the rear axle with a floor jack to prevent it from dropping when the shock absorbers are disconnected.

Removal of 1988 through 2002 models begins with removing the shock absorber upper attaching nut, washer and bushing to detach the upper end of the shock absorber from the vehicle. If replacing an upper balljoint on 1992 and later models, mark the location of the alignment marks on the adjustment cams before removing the two retaining nuts. Next, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the self-tapping bolts which attach the lower end of the shock absorber to the lower control arm to detach the lower end of the shock absorber from the lower A-arm. Remove the shock absorber through the hole in the lower control arm. Note the order in which any bushings and grommets are installed both above and below the upper control arm. Inspect these parts for cracks, tears and deterioration, and replace as necessary. For 2003 and later models, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the three shock absorber upper mounting nuts. Remove the brake caliper and the brake disc. Remove the upper and lower stabilizer bar links. Remove the upper balljoint nut and separate the control arm from the steering knuckle. Remove the lower mounting bolt and the shock absorber/coil spring assembly from the front end of the vehicle. Inspect the shock absorber for leaking fluid, dents, cracks and other damage. Inspect the coil spring for chips and cracks which could cause premature failure. Inspect the spring seats for hardness and general deterioration. If any of the components of the assembly are worn or damaged, have the unit serviced by a qualified repair shop, or replace it with a rebuilt or new unit. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to expel all air from a new shock absorber (2002 and earlier models), install all bushings and grommets in the order in which you removed them, and if the threads in the lower control arm are stripped or damaged, install 5116-18 locknuts on the self-tapping bolts. Tighten all fasteners to the torque. If you had to use locknuts on the self-tapping bolts, torque them to the same specification as the bolts.