Mercury 5U2Z-18V125-C Shock Absorber Kit

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.

This procedure is specific to 1982 through 1987 Continentals and 1984 through 1992 Mark Vlls. The struts on these models cannot be serviced and must be replaced as complete assemblies. To begin, loosen the front wheel lug nuts and raise the vehicle, supporting it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel and the disc brake caliper, hanging it out of the way with wire. Place a floor jack under the lower control arm and raise it slightly. Unscrew the three upper mount to strut tower retaining nuts, and if the upper mount is to be removed from the strut assembly, loosen the center nut. Remove the strut to steering knuckle nuts and bolts, separating the two components and lifting the strut out of the wheel well. If the upper mount is to be replaced, remove the center retaining nut and slide off the mount. To install, place the upper mount over the top of the strut and install the nut if it was removed. Guide the strut assembly into position in the wheel well, pushing the upper mount studs through the holes in the shock tower. Install the three nuts and tighten them to the specified torque. Insert the steering knuckle into the lower mounting flange of the strut assembly and install the two bolts, using new bolts and nuts if recommended. Tighten the nuts to the specified torque. Finally, tighten the upper mount to strut assembly retaining nut to the specified torque. Remove the jack from under the control arm and install the disc brake caliper. Install the wheel, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.

Detach the top end by taking off the attaching nut, washer, and bushing. For 1992 and later models, mark the alignment marks on the adjustment cams before removing the retaining nuts for the upper balljoint. Raise the vehicle, remove self-tapping bolts that attach the lower end of the shock absorber to the lower control arm, and remove the shock absorber through a hole in lower control arm. Replace any worn or damaged parts. To this end, get rid of shock absorber upper mounting nuts, brake caliper, brake disc, stabilizer bar links, balljoint nut and lower mounting bolt for model year 2003 and onward. Check all components for damage and replace them if necessary.

The shock absorbers at the rear should be removed after raising and securing the vehicle's rear on jack stands. With automatic leveling rear suspension and coil springs for older models, let the rear axle hang freely until the shock absorbers finish venting through the compressor. Support the rear axle with a floor jack to keep it from falling when the shock absorbers are detached. For air-assisted shock absorbers, depress the retainer ring(s) and remove the lines by pulling them free. The top of the frame has an upper retaining nut for the shock absorber that can be found. Put an inner insulator and washer on top of it before you get your compressed shock absorber through that hole in this frame. Remove lower retaining nut and lower shock absorber mounting stud from mounting bracket. To make sure all air is expelled from the new shock absorber, extend and compress it several times before installing it.