Ford AG1Z-18125-C Shock Absorber Assembly

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New shock absorbers for 2012 and earlier models are gas-filled and come compressed and retained with a fiberglass strap. Do NOT remove the strap until the shock is installed. For these models, start by measuring the distance from the center of the wheel hub to the lip of the fender with the vehicle at rest. Then, open the trunk and pull back the interior quarter trim panel. Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands, blocking the front wheels to prevent rolling. Remove the rear wheel and support the lower suspension arm with a floor jack. Next, remove the brake caliper and mounting bracket as an assembly, ensuring to support the caliper with a length of wire to avoid hanging by the brake hose. Proceed to remove the upper shock absorber mounting nut and index the spring position on the shock absorber and the upper spring isolator. Raise the floor jack slightly to compress the coil spring and remove the trailing arm-to-rear knuckle bolt. If it's an all-wheel drive model, loosen the trailing arm to subframe bolt, or if it's a front-wheel drive model, remove the trailing arm-to-subframe bolt and remove the arm. Continue by removing the lower arm-to-rear knuckle bolt, and if it's a front-wheel drive model, loosen the lower arm-to-subframe bolt. Slowly lower the floor jack and remove it, followed by removing the shock absorber lower mounting bolt and maneuvering the shock absorber and coil spring out from between the lower arm and the subframe. For installation, transfer the match marks to the new components and align them on assembly. Before tightening any fasteners, raise the lower suspension arm with a floor jack to simulate normal ride height and then tighten the fasteners to the specified torque. Install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and tighten the nuts to the torque listed in the specifications. For 2013 and later models, start by loosening the wheel lug nuts, raising the vehicle, and supporting it securely on jackstands, blocking the front wheels. Remove the rear wheel and open the trunk to pull back the interior quarter trim panel. Detach the stabilizer bar link from the rear knuckle and support the lower suspension arm with a floor jack placed under the spring pocket. Remove the shock absorber upper mounting nut and the shock absorber lower mounting bolt to take out the shock absorber. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure, using new fasteners and tightening them to the specified torque values. Before tightening the shock absorber lower mounting bolt, raise the lower suspension arm with a floor jack to simulate normal ride height and then tighten the fasteners to the torque. Finally, install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and tighten the nuts to the specified torque.

For 2012 and earlier models, ensure the steering is unlocked before starting the removal process. In the engine compartment, loosen the strut upper mounting nuts but do not remove them. Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands, then remove the wheel. Have an assistant depress the brake pedal, then remove the driveaxle/hub nut, but obtain a new one without discarding the old one yet. Remove the brake disc, separate the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle, and detach the stabilizer bar link from the strut. Detach the wheel speed sensor harness from the strut, remove the bolt, and pull the wheel speed sensor from the steering knuckle. Separate the control arm balljoint from the steering knuckle. Using a front wheel hub remover, press the driveaxle from the hub splines, but do not allow the driveaxle to move outward. Remove the upper mounting nuts and remove the strut and steering knuckle as an assembly. Remove the nut and pinch bolt securing the steering knuckle to the strut, then slide the knuckle off the strut.Inspect the shock body for leaking fluid, dents, cracks, and other damage which would warrant replacement. Check the coil spring for chips or cracks in the spring coating and the spring seat for cuts, hardness, and general deterioration. If any undesirable conditions exist, proceed to the shock absorber/coil spring disassembly procedure.To install, position the steering knuckle onto the strut and install a new strut to steering knuckle nut and pinch bolt, tightening the nut to the correct torque. Guide the assembly up into the fender well, align the previously made matchmarks, and insert the upper mounting studs through the holes in the body. With the driveaxle supported in the level position, guide the shaft into the wheel hub/bearing assembly. Connect the control arm balljoint to the steering knuckle, tightening the balljoint nut to the correct torque. Install the wheel speed sensor and attach the sensor harness to the strut. Connect the stabilizer bar link to the strut, tightening the nut to the correct torque. Connect the tie-rod end to the steering knuckle and tighten the nut to the correct torque. Install the brake discs. Install the old hub nut onto the driveaxle and tighten to the correct torque. Remove the driveaxle/hub nut and install the new one, tightening the nut to the correct torque. Install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the correct torque. Tighten the strut upper mounting nuts to the correct torque. Have the front end alignment checked, and if necessary, adjusted.For 2013 and later models, in the engine compartment, mark the relationship of one of the mounting studs to the body, then loosen the four upper mounting nuts. Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel. Detach the ABS wheel speed sensor harness from the strut. Support the outer end of the lower control arm with a floor jack. Unscrew the nuts securing the strut to the steering knuckle, then tap the bolts out with a hammer. Use the floor jack to lower the knuckle to allow room to remove the shock absorber/coil spring assembly, but be careful not to overextend the inner CV joint.The inspection procedures are the same as for the 2012 and earlier models.To install, guide the assembly up into the fender well, align the previously made matchmarks, and insert the upper mounting studs through the holes in the body. Use the jack to position the steering knuckle and install the two lower mounting bolts and nuts, then tighten the nuts to the correct torque. Connect the wheel speed sensor harness to the strut. Install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the correct torque. Tighten the upper mounting nuts to the correct torque. Have the front end alignment checked, and if necessary, adjusted.

If the front suspension shock absorber/coil springs show signs of wear such as leaking fluid, loss of damping capability, sagging or cracked coil springs, they should be disassembled and overhauled as needed. The shock absorbers cannot be serviced and should be replaced if faulty, while the springs and related components can be replaced individually. It is important to replace components on both sides of the vehicle simultaneously to maintain balanced characteristics. Once the assembly is removed from the vehicle, clean off any external dirt without damaging the protective coating on the spring. Install the coil spring compressor tools securely and compress the spring until all tension is relieved from the upper mount. Hold the shock absorber piston rod with a wrench and unscrew the nut, avoiding the use of an impact wrench to prevent damage. Remove the upper mount, spring, boot, bump stop, and lower spring seat. If a new spring is being installed, carefully release the original spring from the compressor. Examine all components for wear and damage, replacing as necessary. Check the shock for fluid leakage, pitting on the piston rod, and damage to the shock body. Test the shock's operation by moving the piston through full and short strokes, ensuring smooth and continuous resistance. Reassemble by installing the lower spring seat, bump stop, and dust boot onto the shock absorber. Then, install the spring and upper mount/upper seat, aligning the arrow or notch on the upper mount with the lower mount. With the spring compressed, install the rod nut and position the ends of the spring within 0.39-inch of the step on both mounts. Tighten the nut to the specified torque while maintaining the position at both ends. Release the tension on the spring and reinstall the spring assembly in the vehicle.