Mercury F8AZ-18124-HA Kit - Shock Absorber

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This procedure is specific to 1982 through 1987 Continentals and 1984 through 1992 Mark Vlls. The struts on these models cannot be serviced and must be replaced as complete assemblies. To begin, loosen the front wheel lug nuts and raise the vehicle, supporting it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel and the disc brake caliper, hanging it out of the way with wire. Place a floor jack under the lower control arm and raise it slightly. Unscrew the three upper mount to strut tower retaining nuts, and if the upper mount is to be removed from the strut assembly, loosen the center nut. Remove the strut to steering knuckle nuts and bolts, separating the two components and lifting the strut out of the wheel well. If the upper mount is to be replaced, remove the center retaining nut and slide off the mount. To install, place the upper mount over the top of the strut and install the nut if it was removed. Guide the strut assembly into position in the wheel well, pushing the upper mount studs through the holes in the shock tower. Install the three nuts and tighten them to the specified torque. Insert the steering knuckle into the lower mounting flange of the strut assembly and install the two bolts, using new bolts and nuts if recommended. Tighten the nuts to the specified torque. Finally, tighten the upper mount to strut assembly retaining nut to the specified torque. Remove the jack from under the control arm and install the disc brake caliper. Install the wheel, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.

Remove the jackstands and lower the vehicle. Before driving a vehicle equipped with air suspension, turn on the air suspension switch, start the engine, and allow the compressor to inflate the air suspension springs.

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

Worn or damaged components can lead to excessive tire wear, poor ride quality, reduced fuel economy, and compromised vehicle handling.

During installation, ensure all air is expelled from a new shock absorber (for 2002 and earlier models), install all bushings and grommets in the order of removal, and use 5116-18 locknuts on the self-tapping bolts if the threads in the lower control arm are stripped or damaged. Tighten all fasteners to the specified torque, with locknuts torqued to the same specification as the bolts.

Lower the vehicle by removing the jackstands.

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.

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.

Worn or damaged suspension and steering linkage components can result in excessive and abnormal tire wear, poor ride quality, vehicle handling issues, and reduced fuel economy.

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.