Mercury E9AZ-18124-D Kit - Shock Absorber

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Turn off the air suspension and disconnect the height sensor. Support it on jack stands and let the rear axle hang free until the shock absorbers vent. Compress the shock to remove the inner insulator and washer. Remove the side trim panel from the trunk to access the upper mounting nut. Remove the lower retaining nut or bolt and the shock absorber. Before installing a new shock, expel all air by extending and compressing it. Insert the shock rod through the upper mounting hole in the frame, and install the outer insulator, washer, and a new stud retaining nut. Align the lower shock eye in the bracket and install the bolt and nut. Extend the shock, insert the lower shock stud through the hole in the bracket, and install a new self-locking retaining nut. Attach the airline, remove the jack stands, and lower the vehicle.

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 strut and shock absorber, park the car on level ground, turn off the engine, 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 with one or two bounces. If the vehicle continues to move up and down or fails to return to its original position, a worn or weak strut or 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 on jack-stands. Check the shock absorber and struts 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 any other source. If leakage is noted, replace the struts or shocks as a set. Check the struts and 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 struts or shock absorbers as a set. 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 or the wear indicators are worn below the surface, the suspension ball joint 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 freeplay 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. Make sure the steering gear rack and pinion boots are kept clean.

Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Support the lower control arm with a floor jack to prevent it from dropping when the shock absorber is disconnected. The jack must remain in this position throughout the entire procedure. Open the rear compartment and remove the side trim panel. On models equipped with ARC (Automatic Ride Control), remove the cover, disconnect the ARC actuator electrical connector, squeeze the retaining tabs and lift the actuator from the top of the shock absorber. The rear shock absorber ARC actuator can be removed from the shock by pinching the retainer tabs and lifting it off. Remove the upper mounting nut from the shock absorber rod. It may be necessary to prevent the rod from turning by holding it with a wrench or locking pliers. Remove the lower mounting bolt and nut, pull the bottom of the shock absorber out of the mounting bracket and remove it from the vehicle. Place the inner washer and rubber insulator on the shock rod and insert the rod through the upper mounting hole. Push up on the shock absorber to align the lower shock eye in the mounting bracket and install the bolt and nut, tightening them securely. Install the upper mounting rubber insulator and the dished washer on the shock rod. Install the nut and tighten it securely. On models equipped with ARC, install the ARC actuator and reconnect the electrical connector. Install the side trim panel inside the trunk.

Before installing a new hydraulic shock absorber, expel all air by extending and compressing it multiple times. Place the inner washer and rubber insulator on the shock piston rod and insert the rod through the upper mounting hole in the frame. Install the outer insulator, washer, and a new stud retaining nut on the upper side of the frame. On specific models, install the inner washer and rubber insulator on the shock rod and insert the rod through the upper mounting hole. Push up on the shock absorber to align the lower shock eye in the mounting bracket and install the bolt and nut. Then install the upper mounting rubber insulator and the dished washer on the shock rod and tighten the nut. Extend the shock absorber, insert the lower shock stud through the hole in the bracket on the axle tube, and install a new self-locking retaining nut. Attach the air line(s), if equipped.

Grasp each front tire at the front and rear edges, push in at the front and pull out at the rear to feel for play in the steering system components.

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

Check the rear drive axle constant velocity (CV) joint boots for damage or leaking grease while the vehicle is raised.

The bushings and grommets should be installed in the order they were removed.

Attach the shock absorber/coil spring assembly to the lower control arm and install the stabilizer link to the spindle. Tighten all nuts securely.

During reassembly, make sure to use a new damper rod nut and tighten it to the specified torque. The mounting studs should be in a slightly offset position to the lower shock mounting bolt. Finally, install the shock absorber/coil spring assembly.

Clean the lower end of the steering knuckle and have an assistant move the wheel in and out while checking for movement at the steering knuckle-to-control arm balljoint.

To install the upper mount, it should be placed over the top of the strut, and if it was removed, the nut should be installed back.

A floor jack can be used to raise the lower control arm if necessary.

Place the inner washer and rubber insulator on the shock rod and insert the rod through the upper mounting hole.

If the vehicle continues to move up and down or fails to return to its original position, a worn or weak shock absorber is likely the reason.

If any components of the assembly are worn or damaged, have the unit serviced by a qualified repair shop, or replace it with a rebuilt or new unit.

The three upper mount to strut tower retaining nuts should be unscrewed. If the upper mount is to be removed from the strut assembly, the center nut should be loosened.

Start by loosening the lug nuts and raising the vehicle with jack stands. Remove the wheel.

Check for play in the steering system components.

Using complete shock absorber/coil spring assemblies on an exchange basis eliminates much time and work. It also ensures that all necessary components are replaced together.