Ford Explorer: Rear Suspension / Removal and Installation - Rear Shock Absorber

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Removal

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.

1. Remove the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheel and Tire (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
   

1. NOTICE: Do not attempt to jacking on the front control arm or rear control arm on any vehicle. Damage to control arms may occur.

   NOTICE: Make sure that the insulator pads are correctly positioned to prevent direct contact with other components.

   Support the rear suspension using an axle stand.
   Use the General Equipment: Vehicle/Axle Stands

1. 1. Hold the flag portion of the taper pin.
      
   2. Remove and discard the rear shock absorber lower nut.
      

1. Remove and discard the rear shock absorber upper bolts.
   

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   Remove the rear shock absorber rod nut cap.
   

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

   NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the shock absorber rod from turning while removing or installing the shock absorber rod nut.

   Remove and discard the rear shock absorber rod nut and Remove the shock absorber top mount.
   

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   1. Remove the dust shield.
      
   2. Remove the jounce bumper.
      

Installation

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   1. Install the jounce bumper.
      
   2. Install the dust shield.
      

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the shock absorber rod from turning while removing or installing the shock absorber rod nut.

   Install the new rear shock absorber rod nut.
   Torque: 22 lb.ft (30 Nm)

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   Install the rear shock absorber rod nut cap.
   

1. 1. Install the rear shock absorber and hold the flag portion of the taper pin.
      
   2. Install the new rear shock absorber lower nut.
      Torque: 59 lb.ft (80 Nm)

1. 1. Compress the rear shock absorber and align the rear shock absorber upper mount under the body alignment pins.
      
   2. Install the new rear shock absorber upper bolts.
      Torque: 76 lb.ft (103 Nm)

1. Install the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheel and Tire (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
   

1. NOTE: If equipped with dynamic suspension.

   Calibrate the suspension height sensor. Connect the scan tool and carry out the Ride Height Calibration routine. Follow the scan tool directions.