Disassembly and Assembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: All vehicles are equipped with gas-pressurized front shock absorbers which will extend unassisted. Do not apply heat or flame to the front shock absorber during removal or disassembly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation is necessary. Do not use a new part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

WARNING: The strut assembly is under spring tension. Attempting to disassemble the strut without correctly compressing the spring can result in personal injury.

Using a suitable spring compressor, slightly compress the spring to remove initial tension. While holding the strut rod, loosen the nut. Continue to compress the spring until tension is relieved.
Remove the appearance cap from the strut rod.
While holding the strut rod, remove and discard the upper strut mount nut. Remove the strut and spring assembly mount and washer.
- To install, tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
Inspect the strut mount and seat-bearing assembly. The spring insulator should not be cracked, torn or distorted. The strut bearing should turn freely without grinding. Install a new strut and spring assembly mount, if necessary.
- To install, tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 1: Inspecting Strut Mount And Seat-Bearing Assembly
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Decompress and remove the spring. Remove the dust boot and jounce bumper.
- To maintain wheel camber:
  - Position the notch and arrow on the upper strut mount outboard opposite the locator tab on the strut.
- To adjust camper +0.5 degrees:
  - Position the notch and arrow on the upper strut mount inboard aligned with the locator tab on the strut.
    
    Fig 2: Identifying Coil Spring And Strut
    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    
    Fig 3: Locating Upper Strut Mount
    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not overtighten the strut rod lock nut. Damage to the lock nut or strut rod can result.

NOTE: Make sure the spring is correctly seated in both spring seats.

To assemble, reverse the disassembly procedure.