Replace worn leaf spring bushings on the rear suspension of a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD EcoBoost to restore proper suspension function and eliminate clunking noises.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Leaf spring front eye bushings × 2 — Use OEM Ford specification or equivalent
• Leaf spring rear shackle bushings × 2 — Use OEM Ford specification or equivalent
• U-bolt hardware kit (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock the front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support frame rails with jack stands rated for at least 3 tons
5. Remove rear wheels
6. Apply penetrating oil to all leaf spring mounting bolts, U-bolts, and shackle hardware at least 30 minutes before beginning disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle housing near the side you are working on. Raise the jack just enough to contact the axle and take minimal weight, allowing the leaf spring to relax slightly but keeping the suspension supported. Do not lift the vehicle higher.
2. 2

   Remove U-bolt nuts and plates
   Remove the four nuts securing the U-bolts that clamp the leaf spring to the axle housing. Remove the U-bolts and the retaining plate. Note the orientation of any spacer blocks between the axle and spring. Keep hardware organized for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Disconnect rear shackle
   Remove the nut and bolt securing the upper rear shackle to the frame mount. The shackle will remain attached to the rear of the leaf spring at this point. Support the rear of the spring with your hand or a bungee cord to prevent it from dropping.
4. 4

   Remove front leaf spring mounting bolt
   Remove the nut and bolt securing the front eye of the leaf spring to the front hanger bracket on the frame. The leaf spring assembly can now be lowered and removed from the vehicle. Carefully lower it to the ground.
5. 5

   Remove shackle from spring
   With the leaf spring on a workbench, remove the lower shackle bolt connecting the shackle to the rear eye of the spring. The shackle and rear bushing can now be separated from the spring.
6. 6

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or leaf spring bushing press tool, carefully press the old bushings out of the front and rear eyes of the leaf spring. Press from the inside out to avoid damaging the spring eyes. Clean the inside of both spring eyes thoroughly with a wire brush, removing all rust and debris.
   ⚠Do not use heat or cutting tools on the bushings as this can damage the spring temper and structural integrity.
7. 7

   Install new bushings
   Apply a thin coat of silicone lubricant or soapy water to the new bushings (never use petroleum-based lubricants on rubber). Position the new bushing squarely in the spring eye and use the press tool to seat it fully. The bushing should be centered with equal protrusion on both sides of the eye. Repeat for both front and rear spring eyes.
8. 8

   Reinstall leaf spring front mount
   Lift the leaf spring assembly back into position. Insert the front mounting bolt through the frame hanger and front spring eye. Install the nut finger-tight only at this stage. Ensure the spring is properly seated in the hanger.
9. 9

   Attach rear shackle
   Position the shackle between the rear spring eye and frame mount. Install the lower bolt through the shackle and rear spring eye, then the upper bolt through the shackle and frame bracket. Install nuts finger-tight only. Verify the shackle moves freely.
10. 10

    Align axle with spring
    Use the floor jack to raise the rear axle until it contacts the leaf spring in the correct position. Ensure the spring center bolt locates properly in the axle pad hole. The axle should be centered on the spring with equal overhang front and rear.
11. 11

    Install U-bolts and retaining plate
    Position any spacer blocks between the spring and axle if equipped. Place the retaining plate on top of the spring. Install the U-bolts through the plate and around the axle, threading nuts onto each end. Tighten nuts in a crisscross pattern gradually to the manufacturer's specification (typically 100-120 Nm, but verify with Ford service data as this torque is not provided in the database).
12. 12

    Torque leaf spring mounting bolts
    With the rear axle supported by the jack at normal ride height, torque the front spring eye bolt nut and both shackle bolts to the manufacturer's specification (typically 135-150 Nm for these fasteners, but verify with Ford service data as these specific torques are not provided in the database). These must be torqued at ride height to prevent bushing bind.
    ⚠Leaf spring mounting bolts must be torqued with the suspension at ride height or the bushings will bind and fail prematurely.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels
    Install the rear wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the wheel contacts the ground but does not bear full weight. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final torque verification
    Completely lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque all wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Repeat the procedure for the opposite side if replacing both sides.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All leaf spring mounting fasteners must be torqued at normal ride height to prevent premature bushing failure
2. Inspect U-bolt torque after 50-100 miles of driving and re-torque if necessary
3. If replacing bushings on one side only, consider replacing the opposite side as they typically wear at similar rates

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle and verify elimination of any clunking or squeaking noises from the rear suspension
• Verify the vehicle tracks straight and the rear axle is properly aligned
• Re-check all fastener torques after the first 50 miles of operation
• Visually inspect for any leaking fluids from the rear differential that may have been disturbed during the repair

More procedures for this vehicle