Mercury F7AZ-18125-HA Kit - Shock Absorber

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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.

Regular checks of the steering linkage and suspension are necessary to prevent tire wear, ride quality issues, handling problems, and reduced fuel efficiency. Park the vehicle on level ground, turn off the engine, and engage the parking brake. Push down on each corner of the vehicle to check the shock absorbers; if there is continuous bouncing or failure to return to the original position, the shock absorbers may be worn or weak. Inspect all four corners and raise the vehicle if needed to check for fluid leakage from the shock absorbers. Replace them as a set if there is leakage. Also, visually inspect the steering system components for damage, leaks, and worn seals, boots, and fittings. Check the steering knuckle-to-control arm joint for movement and the front tires for play in the steering system. If there is play, tighten the steering gear mounts and inspect tie-rod ball joints. While the vehicle is raised, check the rear drive axle CV joint boots for damage or leaking grease.

To inspect the damper rod seal, you should extend and retract the damper rod slowly and quickly through its full stroke. It should move smoothly, quietly, and offer resistance. If it is jerky, noisy, or offers little to no resistance, the shock absorber should be replaced.

The upper mounting nut needs to be removed from the shock absorber rod.

Check for play in the steering system components.

If applicable, attach the actuator to the mounting bracket.

The upper shock mount cannot rotate when the shock and the spring are assembled. Therefore, it is crucial to mark the position of the upper mount with chalk or paint to ensure proper alignment. If the upper mount is not in the correct position, the studs won't fit into the holes in the shock tower.

Remove the stabilizer link upper mounting nut and separate the stabilizer link from the spindle.