Mercury 9L8Z-18124-BL Shock Absorber Assembly - Front

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Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel. Unbolt the brake hose bracket from the strut. If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, detach the speed sensor wiring harness from the strut by removing the clamp bracket bolt. Detach the stabilizer bar link from the bracket on the strut. On later models, remove the brake jounce hose clip, then move the hose out of the way. Remove the strut to the knuckle nuts and knock the bolts out with a hammer and punch. Separate the strut from the steering knuckle. Be careful not to overextend the inner CV joint. Also, don't let the steering knuckle fall outward and strain the brake hose. Mark the relationship of the outer studs to the bearing plate. Support the strut and spring assembly with one hand and remove the four struts to body nuts. Remove the assembly out from the fender well. Check the strut body for leaking fluid, dents, cracks and other obvious damage which would warrant repair or 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 strut disassembly procedure. Guide the strut assembly up into the fender well, align the previously made matchmarks and insert the upper mounting studs through the holes in the body. Once the studs protrude, install the nuts so the strut won't fall back through. This is most easily accomplished with the help of an assistant, as the strut is quite heavy and awkward. Slide the steering knuckle into the strut flange and insert the two bolts. Install the nuts, align the previously made matchmarks and tighten them to the torque. Connect the brake hose bracket to the strut and tighten the bolt securely. If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, install the speed sensor wiring harness bracket. Connect the stabilizer bar link to the strut bracket. Tighten the nut 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. Drive the vehicle to an alignment shop to have the front end alignment checked, and if necessary, adjusted.

To maintain balanced characteristics on both sides of the vehicle, it is important to replace components on both sides simultaneously.

Unscrew the shock absorber lower mounting nut, then pull the shock off the mounting pin.

After the strut assembly is completely disassembled, the following steps should be taken: Examine all components for wear and damage. Check the bearing for smoothness of operation. This inspection helps identify any worn or damaged components that need replacement.

Block the front wheels.

To reinstall the strut assembly, follow these steps: Guide the strut assembly up into the fender well. Align the previously made matchmarks. Insert the upper mounting studs through the holes in the body. Install the nuts to secure the strut in place. This may require assistance due to the weight and awkwardness of the strut.