Mercury BW7Z-18124-B Shock Absorber Assembly

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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 shock absorber, park the vehicle on level ground, turn the engine off, 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 within one or two bounces. If the vehicle continues to move up and down or if it fails to return to its original position, a worn or weak 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 securely on jackstands. Check the shock absorbers 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 some other source. If leakage is noted, replace the shocks as a set. Check the 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 shock absorbers as a set (front or rear). 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, the suspension 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 system components. If any free play is noted, check the steering gear mounts and the tie-rod ends for looseness. Check the steering gear mount bolt tightness. If the tie-rods are loose, the ball joints may be worn.

Detach the top end by taking off the attaching nut, washer, and bushing. For 1992 and later models, mark the alignment marks on the adjustment cams before removing the retaining nuts for the upper balljoint. Raise the vehicle, remove self-tapping bolts that attach the lower end of the shock absorber to the lower control arm, and remove the shock absorber through a hole in lower control arm. Replace any worn or damaged parts. To this end, get rid of shock absorber upper mounting nuts, brake caliper, brake disc, stabilizer bar links, balljoint nut and lower mounting bolt for model year 2003 and onward. Check all components for damage and replace them if necessary.

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.

If the vehicle has an air suspension, turn the air suspension switch to On, start the engine, and let the compressor inflate the air suspension springs before driving.

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.

Allow the rear axle to hang freely until the shock absorbers finish venting through the compressor. Support the rear axle with a floor jack to prevent it from dropping when the shock absorbers are disconnected.