Ford 6L5Z-18125-ACA Shock Absorber Assembly

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Remove the nut securing the top of the shock absorber to the upper mounting bracket on the frame.

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-axle arm ball joints. If there is any movement, the 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 linkage. If any free play is noted, check the steering gear mounts and the tie-rod ball joints for looseness. If the steering gear mounts are loose, tighten them. If the tie-rods are loose, the ball joints may be worn.

Loosen the front wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the front wheels.

To detach the lower end of the shock absorber, remove the two lower shock absorber mounting nuts.

Place a floor jack under the axle adjacent to the shock absorber being removed. Apply just enough pressure with the jack to take the load off the shock absorber.

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 linkage. If any freeplay is noted, check the steering gear mounts and the tie-rod balljoints for looseness. If the steering gear mounts are loose, tighten them. If the tie-rods are loose, the balljoints may be worn.

If the shock absorbers pass the bounce test, you should visually inspect the shock body for signs of fluid leakage, punctures, or deep dents in the metal of the body. Replace any shock absorber that is leaking or damaged, even if it passed the bounce test.