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Strut and Spring Assembly: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Ford Flex. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
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.
NOTE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement 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.
NOTE: Make sure the steering wheel is in the unlocked position.
  1. Loosen the upper strut mount nuts.
  2. Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES .
    3. NOTE: Do not discard the wheel hub nut at this time.
  3. Remove the wheel hub nut.
  4. Remove the brake disc. For additional information, refer to FRONT DISC BRAKE .
  5. Remove and discard the tie-rod end nut, then separate the tie rod from the wheel knuckle.
  6. Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link upper nut.
  7. Detach the wheel speed sensor harness from the strut.
  8. Remove the bolt and the wheel speed sensor from the wheel knuckle. Position the wheel speed sensor aside.
    Fig 1: Locating Wheel Speed Sensor Bolt
    G06064874Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    9. NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stud from turning while removing the nut.
  9. Using a crowfoot wrench, remove and discard the lower ball joint nut.
    10. NOTE: Use care when releasing the lower arm and knuckle into the resting position or damage to the ball joint seal may occur.
  10. Push the lower arm downward until the ball joint is clear of the wheel knuckle.
    11. NOTE: Do not allow the halfshaft to move outboard. Overextension of the tripod Constant Velocity (CV) joint may result in separation of internal parts, causing failure of the halfshaft.
    Fig 2: Removing Wheel Bearing And Hub
    G06065021Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Using the Front Wheel Hub Remover, press the halfshaft from the wheel bearing and hub. Support the halfshaft in a level position.
  12. Remove and discard the 4 upper strut mount nuts.
  13. Remove the wheel knuckle and the strut and spring as an assembly.
  14. Remove and discard the strut-to-wheel knuckle nut and flagbolt.
  15. Separate the strut and spring assembly from the wheel knuckle.
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