Ford BT4Z-18124-D Shock Absorber Assembly

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Inspect the shock absorbers for fluid leakage, ensure they are securely mounted and undamaged, and pay attention to upper mounts for wear or damage. Replace them if needed.

The springs and related components can be individually replaced.

Check the shock body for leaking fluid, dents, cracks, and other obvious damage that would warrant replacement. Check the coil spring for chips or cracks in the spring coating. Inspect the spring seat for cuts, hardness, and general deterioration.

Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Block the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling and remove the rear wheel.

On 2015 and later models, remove the cowl panel. In the engine compartment, mark the relationship of one of the mounting studs to the body, then remove the four upper mounting nuts. Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Remove the wheel. Unbolt the brake hose bracket from the shock absorber. Remove the wheel speed sensor and detach the wiring harness by removing the clamp bracket bolt. On 2015 and later models, remove the stabilizer bar link nut and disconnect the link from the strut. Support the control arm with a floor jack and unscrew the nuts securing the strut to the steering knuckle, then tap the bolts out with a hammer. Only turn the nuts; the bolts have serrated shoulders, and to turn them could damage the steering knuckle. Use the floor jack to lower the knuckle to allow room to remove the shock absorber/coil spring assembly, but be careful not to over extend the inner CV joint. Check the shock body for leaking fluid, dents, cracks and other obvious damage which would warrant replacement. Check the coil spring for chips or cracks in the spring coating. Inspect the spring seat for cuts, hardness and general deterioration. If any undesirable conditions exist, proceed to the shock absorber/coil spring disassembly procedure. Guide the assembly up into the fenderwell, align the previously made match marks and insert the upper mounting studs through the holes in the body. Once the studs protrude, install the new nuts so the shock won't fall back through but don't tighten them yet. This is most easily accomplished with the help of an assistant, as the strut is quite heavy and awkward. Use the jack to position the steering knuckle and install the two lower mounting bolts and nuts, then tighten the nuts to the torque. Install the wheel and lug nuts, then lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque. Tighten the upper mounting nuts to the torque. Have the front end alignment checked, and if necessary, adjusted.

When performing a shock absorber check, ensure the vehicle is parked on level ground with the engine off and the parking brake engaged while verifying tire pressures. Push down on each corner of the vehicle and observe its body movement, expecting it to return to a level position within one or two bounces; persistent bouncing or failure to level may indicate worn or weak shock absorbers. Repeat this test at the remaining corners and inspect the shock absorbers for fluid leakage, replacing them if substantial leakage is observed. Confirm that the shocks are securely mounted and undamaged, paying attention to upper mounts for wear or damage, and replace them if needed. For a steering and suspension check, assess tire wear patterns, inflation, and inspect the universal joint, steering gear housing, dust boots, boot clamps, tie-rod ends, and all suspension and steering components for damage, wear, loose bolts, and deteriorated rubber bushings. While an assistant turns the steering wheel, check for free movement, chafing, and binding in the steering components. Examine the ball joints for play by attempting to move each control arm up and down; if there is play, replace the worn ball joint. Inspect the ball joint boots for damage and grease leakage. In the rear of the vehicle, scrutinize suspension arm bushings for deterioration. Additionally, perform a CV Boot check, washing the boots and inspecting them for tears, cracks, and loose clamps, with special attention to the outer CV boot due to its frequent movement following steering action; if cracks or lubricant leakage are evident, replacement is necessary.

Maneuver the shock out of the vehicle.

To maintain balanced characteristics on both sides of the vehicle, it's advisable to replace components on both sides simultaneously.