Ford 4U2Z-18V124-AA Shock Absorber Kit

Yes, you should remove the front disc brake water shield if necessary.

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 with one or two bounces. If the vehicle continues to move up and down or fails to return to its original position, a worn or weak shock absorber is probably the reason. Repeat the check at each of the three remaining corners of the vehicle. Raise the vehicle and support it on jackstands. Check the shock absorbers for evidence of fluid leakage. Make sure any fluid noted is from the shocks and not from any other source. If leakage is noted, replace the shocks as a set. Check the shock absorbers to be sure 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.

Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to tighten the upper and lower shock mounting nuts to the specified torque.

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 linkage. If any freeplay is noted, check the steering gear mounts and the tie-rod balljoints for looseness. If the steering gear mounts are loose, tighten them. If the tie-rods are loose, the balljoints may be worn.

Remove the nut securing the top of the shock absorber to the upper mounting bracket on the frame (and the upper nut).