Ford Explorer: Front Suspension - RWD / Disassembly and Assembly - Front Strut and Spring Assembly

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

DISASSEMBLY

  WARNING: Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorber or strut tube. The shock absorber and strut tube are gas pressurized and could explode if heated. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

  WARNING: Keep all body parts clear of shock absorbers or strut rods. Shock absorbers or struts can extend unassisted. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified.

NOTICE: When installing a suitable spring compressor, use care not to damage the spring coating.

NOTE: Disassembly steps in this procedure may contain assembly details.

1. Remove the front strut and spring assembly.
   Refer to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01A Front Suspension - RWD, Removal and Installation).
   

1.   WARNING: Coil springs and strut assemblies are compressed under extreme load. Always use a spring compressor for disassembly. Follow procedure instructions carefully and make sure the spring compressor has the correct spring plates or adapters. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

   NOTICE: When installing a suitable spring compressor, use care not to damage the spring coating.

   NOTICE: Take extra care not to damage the component.

   NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove the nut.

   NOTE: Typical assembly shown. actual application may vary.

   Compress the coil spring enough to relieve the tension on the strut assembly.
   Use the General Equipment: Spring Compressor
   Use the General Equipment: Vise

1. NOTE: Note the position of the components before removal.

   NOTE: Do not use an impact wrench on the strut rod nut.

   NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the strut rod from turning while removing the strut rod nut.

   Remove and discard the strut rod nut. Disassemble the front strut and spring assembly in the order shown.
   

ASSEMBLY

1. NOTE: Make sure that the components are installed to the position noted before removal.

   To assemble, reverse the disassembly procedure.
   

1. NOTE: Make sure that the spring is centered in the lower spring seat.

   Make sure that the lower spring insulator is properly seated on spring seat.
   

1. Make sure that the bearing locator pin is properly positioned in top mount hole.
   

1. NOTICE: Make sure the components are correctly aligned during assembly.

   1. Make sure that the bearing tabs is properly aligned with each other.
      
   2. Bearing tabs should be pointed inboard and inline with the point strut bracket cutout.
      

1. 1. Make sure that the dust cover is clipped into all 6 tabs on the bearing.
      
   2. Make sure that the dust cover is clipped into all 4 tabs on the bearing.
      

1.   WARNING: Take extra care when handling a compressed spring. Failure to follow this instruction may result in personal injury.

   NOTE: Make sure that the spring coating is not damaged during assembly process.

   NOTE: Typical strut and spring assembly shown.

   1. NOTE: Utilize the hex holding feature to prevent the strut rod from turning while installing the strut rod nut.

      Install the new strut rod nut.
      Use the General Equipment: Spring Compressor
      Use the General Equipment: Vise
      Torque: 98 lb.ft (133 Nm)
   2. Install the cap.
      

1. Install the front strut and spring assembly.
   Refer to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01A Front Suspension - RWD, Removal and Installation).