Mercury F23Z-18125-A Shock Absorber Assembly

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Remove the shock absorber/coil spring assembly from the vehicle and inspect for damage or deterioration. Mount the assembly in a vise, using a spring compressor to relieve pressure. Mark the position of the upper mount to the coil spring before disassembly. Remove the damper rod nut and disassemble the unit. Check the damper rod seal and test the damper rod for smoothness and resistance. If faulty, replace the shock absorber.

Start by loosening lug nuts and raising the vehicle. Remove the wheel and place a jack under the control arm. If equipped with ARC, remove the actuator. Loosen the three upper mount-to-shock tower nuts, but don't remove them. Remove the shock-to-lower control arm nut and bolt, and separate the shock absorber/coil spring assembly. Remove the stabilizer link upper nut and separate it from the spindle. Use the jack to raise the control arm and disconnect the upper control arm. Remove the shock absorber/coil spring assembly. To install, place the upper mount over the new assembly and install the nut. Guide the assembly into the wheel well and install the three nuts. Attach the assembly to the lower control arm and install the stabilizer link. Tighten all nuts. If applicable, attach the actuator. Remove the jack, install the brake caliper, and the wheel. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts.

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.

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

On models with air suspension, turn off the air suspension switch and disconnect the height sensor connector link before allowing the rear suspension to hang past its normal point of full rebound. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. If the vehicle is a pre-1992 model with automatic leveling rear suspension and coil springs, allow the rear axle to hang free until the shock absorbers are finished venting through the compressor. Support the rear axle with a floor jack to prevent it from dropping when the shock absorber is disconnected. If removing an air-assisted shock absorber, detach the air line.

Visually inspect for damage, leaks, and worn seals, boots, and fittings in the steering system components.

Place the upper mount over the new shock absorber/coil spring assembly and install the nut. Guide the assembly into position in the wheel well and install the three nuts.

The initial steps are to loosen the front wheel lug nuts and raise the vehicle, supporting it securely on jackstands. Then, remove the wheel and the disc brake caliper, hanging it out of the way with wire.

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.

The upper mounting rubber insulator and the dished washer should be installed on the shock rod.

The floor jack can be removed from under the control arm.

You should line the vise jaws with wood or rags to prevent damage to the unit, and avoid tightening the vise excessively.

Check the steering gear mounts and tie-rod ends for looseness.

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.

Visually inspect the steering system components for damage and distortion. Look for leaks and damaged seals, boots, and fittings.

The side trim panel needs to be removed from the rear compartment.

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.

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 threads in the lower control arm are stripped or damaged, locknuts should be installed on the self-tapping bolts.