Ford 7W1Z-18124-A Shock Absorber Assembly

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

Note the order of installation for any bushings and grommets above and below the upper control arm. Inspect these parts for cracks, tears, and deterioration, replacing them as necessary.

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 any movement is detected, the suspension ball joint(s) must be replaced.

To remove the rear shock absorbers, start by raising the rear of the vehicle and supporting it securely on jackstands. For older models with automatic leveling rear suspension and coil springs (not air springs), allow the rear axle to hang freely until the shock absorbers finish venting through the compressor. Support the rear axle with a floor jack to prevent it from dropping when the shock absorbers are disconnected. If you're dealing with air-assisted shock absorbers, detach the air line by depressing the retainer ring(s) and pulling the lines free. Locate the upper retaining nut for the shock absorber on top of the frame, and to remove it, you may need to hold the piston rod with a wrench or locking pliers while loosening the nut. Remove the upper nut, washer, and insulator from the stud on the upper side of the frame. Compress the shock absorber to clear the hole in the frame and remove the inner insulator and washer from the upper retaining stud. Some models 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. For installation, ensure that all air is expelled from the new shock absorber by extending and compressing it several times before placing the inner washer and rubber insulator on the shock piston rod. Insert the rod through the upper mounting hole in the frame, attach the outer insulator, washer, and a new stud retaining nut on the upper side of the frame, making sure the insulator "pilots" engage properly in the frame attaching holes. Tighten the nut to the specified torque. Extend the shock absorber, insert the lower shock stud through the hole in the bracket on the axle tube, install a new self-locking retaining nut, and tighten it to the torque. If the vehicle has an air suspension, turn the air suspension switch to On, start the engine, and let the compressor inflate the air suspension springs before driving. Finally, lower the vehicle by removing the jackstands.

Note the order of installation for any bushings and grommets above and below the upper control arm. Inspect these parts for cracks, tears, and deterioration, replacing them as necessary.

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.