Mercury F7AZ-18124-BA Shock Absorber Assembly

Raise the vehicle, support it securely on jackstands, and check the shock absorbers for evidence of fluid leakage. A light film of fluid is generally not a concern. If leakage is noted, replace the shocks as a set.

Compress the shock absorber to clear the hole in the frame, and then remove the inner insulator and washer from the upper retaining stud. Some models may have shocks with a plastic dust tube, which can be loosened using a wrench. Remove the lower retaining nut and the lower shock absorber mounting stud from the mounting bracket to complete the removal process.

During installation, ensure all air is expelled from a new shock absorber (for 2002 and earlier models), install all bushings and grommets in the order of removal, and use 5116-18 locknuts on the self-tapping bolts if the threads in the lower control arm are stripped or damaged. Tighten all fasteners to the specified torque, with locknuts torqued to the same specification as the bolts.