Genuine Mercury Cougar Shock Absorber

Mercury Cougar Shock Absorber Parts Questions & Answers

• Kit - Shock Absorber
  E9AZ-18124-D
  Q: How to remove and replace the rear shock absorber on a Mercury Cougar?

  A: Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Support the lower Control Arm with a floor jack to prevent it from dropping when the shock absorber is disconnected. The jack must remain in this position throughout the entire procedure. Open the rear compartment and remove the side trim panel. On models equipped with ARC (Automatic Ride Control), remove the cover, disconnect the ARC actuator electrical connector, squeeze the retaining tabs and lift the actuator from the top of the shock absorber. The rear shock absorber ARC actuator can be removed from the shock by pinching the retainer tabs and lifting it off. Remove the upper mounting nut from the shock absorber rod. It may be necessary to prevent the rod from turning by holding it with a wrench or locking pliers. Remove the lower mounting bolt and nut, pull the bottom of the shock absorber out of the mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle. Place the inner washer and rubber insulator on the shock rod and insert the rod through the upper mounting hole. Push up on the shock absorber to align the lower shock eye in the mounting bracket and install the bolt and nut, tightening them securely. Install the upper mounting rubber insulator and the dished washer on the shock rod. Install the nut and tighten it securely. On models equipped with ARC, install the ARC actuator and reconnect the electrical connector. Install the side trim panel inside the trunk.
• Shock Absorber Assembly
  F23Z-18125-A
  Q: How to remove the front shock absorber/coil spring assembly?

  A: Start by loosening lug nuts and raising the vehicle. Remove the wheel and place a jack under the Control Arm. If equipped with ARC, remove the actuator. Loosen the three upper mount-to-shock tower nuts, but don't remove them. Remove the shock-to-lower control arm nut and bolt, and separate the shock absorber/coil spring assembly. Remove the stabilizer link upper nut and separate it from the spindle. Use the jack to raise the control arm and disconnect the upper control arm. Remove the shock absorber/coil spring assembly. To install, place the upper mount over the new assembly and install the nut. Guide the assembly into the wheel well and install the three nuts. Attach the assembly to the lower control arm and install the stabilizer link. Tighten all nuts. If applicable, attach the actuator. Remove the jack, install the brake caliper, and the wheel. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts.
• Shock Absorber Assembly
  F43Z-18125-A
  Q: How to replace the front shock absorber/coil spring assembly from the Mercury Cougar?

  A: Remove the shock absorber/coil spring assembly from the vehicle and inspect for damage or deterioration. Mount the assembly in a vise, using a spring compressor to relieve pressure. Mark the position of the upper mount to the coil spring before disassembly. Remove the damper rod nut and disassemble the unit. Check the damper rod seal and test the damper rod for smoothness and resistance. If faulty, replace the shock absorber.