Ford E9AZ-18124-D Shock Absorber Kit

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.

The strut / shock absorber are non- servicing and should be replaced as a complete unit. Before removing it, put off the front wheel lug nuts, lift the vehicle then place it on a jack stand and finally remove the wheel. Next is to un-bolt the disc brake caliper and then suspend it by the help of a wire so that we can observe the rotor freely. Position the floor jack under the control arm; lift up the car slightly and firm up the jack so that it will not slide during the procedure. Remove the three upper mount to shock tower retaining nuts and if upper mount is to be removed from the strut/shock absorber assembly, take out the center nut but do not remove it. Turn to the removal of the strut to spindle nuts/bolts and then to unbolt the strut/shock absorber assembly from the spindle and then pull it out of the vehicle. If replacing the upper mount, loosen the center retain nut and slip out the mount from the assembly. For installation, if the upper mount was removed, position it above the atrut / shock assembly and fasten the nut. Position the assembly into the wheel well and manoeuvre the upper mount studs through the shock tower holes you'll then in place and tighten the three nuts to the specified torque using new nuts as advised. Place the spindle to the lower mounting flange of the strut/shock assembly and install two bolts, necessarily new ones as it is stated, and tighten them to the corresponding torque. Tighten the upper mount-shock assembly nut to the recommended torque in this case, then remove the jack from under the control arm and install the disc brake caliper. Last step of the job is to put the wheel back, lower the car and over tighten the lug nuts to the appropriate torque setting.

Regular checks of the steering linkage and suspension are necessary to prevent tire wear, ride quality issues, handling problems, and reduced fuel efficiency. Park the vehicle on level ground, turn off the engine, and engage the parking brake. Push down on each corner of the vehicle to check the shock absorbers; if there is continuous bouncing or failure to return to the original position, the shock absorbers may be worn or weak. Inspect all four corners and raise the vehicle if needed to check for fluid leakage from the shock absorbers. Replace them as a set if there is leakage. Also, visually inspect the steering system components for damage, leaks, and worn seals, boots, and fittings. Check the steering knuckle-to-control arm joint for movement and the front tires for play in the steering system. If there is play, tighten the steering gear mounts and inspect tie-rod ball joints. While the vehicle is raised, check the rear drive axle CV joint boots for damage or leaking grease.

To install the upper mount, it should be placed over the top of the strut, and if it was removed, the nut should be installed back.

Install the trim panel access door.

Locate the upper retaining nut for the shock absorber on top of the frame and remove the nut, washer, and insulator. Compress the shock absorber to clear the hole in the frame and remove the inner insulator and washer. On certain models, open the trunk, remove the side trim panel, and remove the upper mounting nut from the shock absorber rod. Remove the lower retaining nut or bolt and remove the shock absorber from the vehicle.

Start by raising the rear of the vehicle and securely supporting it on jackstands.

Inspect the shock absorber for leaking fluid, dents, cracks, and other damage. Examine the coil spring for chips and cracks that could lead to premature failure. Also, inspect the spring seats for hardness and general deterioration.

Start by loosening the lug nuts and raising the vehicle with jack stands. Remove the wheel.