Mercury XW7Z-18125-AB Shock Absorber Assembly

You can Select Your Vehicle to check if XW7Z-18125-AB fits your vehicle.

If any free play is noted, check the steering gear mounts and the tie-rod ends for looseness. Verify the steering gear mount bolt tightness. If the tie-rods are loose, the ball joints may be worn.

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.

Removal starts by removing the shock absorber upper attaching nut, washer, and bushing to detach the upper end of the shock absorber. For upper balljoint replacement on 1992 and later models, it's crucial to mark the location of the alignment marks on the adjustment cams before removing the two retaining nuts.

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.

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.

After detaching the upper end, raise the vehicle and securely support it on jackstands. Remove the self-tapping bolts attaching the lower end of the shock absorber to the lower control arm, thereby detaching the lower end from the lower A-arm. Finally, remove the shock absorber through the hole in the lower control arm.