Replace both front coil springs on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD, requiring strut removal and use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring - left × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent aftermarket
• Front coil spring - right × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent aftermarket
• Strut mount bearing (recommended) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Strut tower mount nuts (if corroded) × 6 — M12 flange nuts

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground but do not remove
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails behind front wheels
4. Remove both front wheels completely
5. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
6. Inspect spring compressor tool for damage or wear - do not use damaged equipment
7. Take photos of spring orientation and positioning before disassembly for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the strut assembly. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft while loosening the upper nut with an 18mm wrench or socket. Remove the nut completely and disconnect the sway bar link from the strut. Allow the link to hang down.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two horizontal bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle. These are large 18mm bolts through the bottom of the strut. Use a breaker bar if necessary to break them loose. Remove both bolts completely and set aside. The knuckle will now be loose from the strut.
   ⚠Support the knuckle and brake assembly with a jack or wire to prevent strain on the brake hose when strut is disconnected.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the strut tower on the inner fender area. Remove the plastic cover if present (may have push clips or fasteners). You will see three 18mm nuts securing the top of the strut mount. Do not remove these yet.
4. 4

   Remove strut tower nuts and extract strut assembly
   While supporting the strut assembly from below with one hand or a helper, remove all three strut tower nuts. Carefully pull the entire strut assembly downward and out from the wheel well. Maneuver it past the CV axle and control arm. Set the strut assembly on a stable work surface.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Have a helper assist or use a jack to support it during removal.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Install spring compressor on coil spring
   With the strut assembly on a stable surface, install the spring compressor tool according to manufacturer instructions. Attach compressor hooks opposite each other (180 degrees apart) on the coil spring, ensuring they engage at least 2-3 coils. Verify the hooks are fully seated and secure. If using a two-piece compressor, install the second set opposite the first for balance.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor hooks are fully engaged on the coils and cannot slip. Inspect for proper seating before applying any compression force.
6. 6

   Compress the coil spring
   Slowly and evenly tighten the spring compressor, alternating between sides if using multiple compressors to maintain even compression. Compress the spring until there is visible gap between the spring and the upper strut mount (approximately 1-2 inches of free space). The spring should no longer be under any load against the mount or lower spring seat. Verify the spring is stable and not twisted.
   ⚠️Compress slowly and check frequently that compressor hooks remain properly engaged. Never place hands or body near the spring during compression.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and top mount
   With the spring fully compressed and secure, locate the large nut on top of the strut shaft center. Hold the strut shaft with a wrench or strut shaft socket to prevent rotation, then remove the top nut. Remove the upper strut mount, bearing plate, and upper spring isolator. Note the orientation of all components for reassembly.
   ⚠️Do not proceed if spring is not fully compressed with visible gap at mount. Spring must have zero load on the shaft nut before removal.
8. 8

   Remove old spring and transfer components
   Carefully remove the compressed spring with compressor still attached. Remove the lower spring isolator from the strut if present. Inspect the strut mount bearing and isolators - replace if worn, cracked, or making noise. Keep the spring compressor installed on the old spring for now.
9. 9

   Install compressor on new spring and compress
   Install the spring compressor on the new coil spring in the same configuration as used on the old spring. Ensure the spring end orientation matches the original (one end is typically pigtailed or differently shaped). Compress the new spring to approximately the same compressed length as the old spring was, ensuring adequate clearance for installation on the strut shaft.
   ⚠New springs may be stiffer and require more force to compress. Verify spring orientation matches original before compression.
10. 10

    Assemble strut with new spring
    Place the lower spring isolator on the strut lower spring seat if equipped. Install the compressed new spring onto the strut, ensuring the spring end seats properly in the lower spring seat pocket. Install the upper spring isolator, bearing plate (with bearing if replacing), and upper strut mount, ensuring correct orientation. Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft and tighten snugly by hand.
11. 11

    Torque strut shaft nut and release spring
    Hold the strut shaft to prevent rotation and torque the shaft nut to specification (typically 37-50 Nm, verify with Ford specifications as this nut is not in the provided list). Once tight, slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tension. The spring should seat properly against both the upper mount and lower seat. Remove the compressor tools once all tension is released.
    ⚠Release compressor slowly and evenly. If spring does not seat properly or appears misaligned, re-compress and check component orientation.
12. 12

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Carefully maneuver the assembled strut back into the wheel well, guiding the upper mount studs through the strut tower holes. Align the lower strut with the steering knuckle mounting holes. Install the three strut tower nuts finger-tight first to hold the assembly in place.
13. 13

    Torque strut tower nuts
    Torque all three strut tower nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the mount. Verify the mount sits flush against the strut tower.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Align the steering knuckle with the strut mounting holes. You may need to use a pry bar or jack to align the holes. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and install nuts. Torque both bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Lift the sway bar link up to the strut mounting point. Install the nut onto the link shaft. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation and torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 15 for the opposite side front strut and spring assembly. Ensure both sides are completed before lowering the vehicle.
17. 17

    Install wheels and perform final torque
    Install both front wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until wheels just contact the ground but vehicle is still supported by jack stands. Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform final lug nut torque check with vehicle on ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification before test driving
2. Double-check that all three strut tower nuts are installed and torqued on both sides
3. Verify sway bar links are properly connected on both sides
4. Confirm no tools or parts are left in wheel wells or engine compartment

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify normal handling and no unusual noises
• Listen for clunking or rattling from front suspension indicating loose components
• Verify vehicle sits level side-to-side with new springs installed
• Check for any fluid leaks around struts after test drive
• Schedule a professional alignment immediately - new springs will change suspension geometry and alignment is critical for safe operation and tire wear

More procedures for this vehicle