Replace the front strut mount assemblies, which isolate the strut from the body and allow steering pivot movement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount assembly × 2 — Use OEM Ford specification or equivalent
• Strut mount bearing (if not included) × 2 — Often included with mount assembly

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands positioned under frame rails
5. Remove both front wheels completely
6. Spray penetrating oil on strut-to-knuckle bolts, sway bar link nuts, and strut tower nuts if not previously done

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open hood and locate the strut tower assembly at the top of each fender well. Remove any plastic covers or cowl panels that obstruct access to the three strut tower mounting nuts. On the driver side, you may need to reposition the washer fluid reservoir for better access without disconnecting it.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm. Insert an Allen key into the shaft end to prevent rotation. Using a wrench on the nut, remove the lower sway bar link nut and separate the link from the control arm. This provides clearance for strut removal.
   ⚠The sway bar link ball joint may be under tension. Support components to prevent sudden movement when disconnected.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two large bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle. These are positioned horizontally through the knuckle and strut bracket. Support the strut assembly with one hand or have an assistant hold it. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. The knuckle will now pivot freely on the ball joint.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and will pivot when bolts are removed. Support the strut to prevent damage to brake lines or ABS sensors.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts140 Nm (104 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   While supporting the strut assembly from below, remove the three nuts securing the strut mount to the strut tower. The strut shaft will extend through the center of these three studs. Do NOT remove the center strut shaft nut at this time. Carefully lower the strut assembly down and out of the wheel well.
   ⚠️Do not remove the center strut shaft nut while the spring is compressed. This nut retains the compressed spring and removing it without a spring compressor will cause violent spring release.
   Torque spec

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

   Install spring compressor
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or strut vise if available. Install the spring compressor following the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring the compressor hooks are properly seated in the spring coils. Position compressor components opposite each other (180 degrees apart) for even compression. Tighten the compressor gradually and evenly, alternating between sides, until the spring is compressed enough that the upper mount is no longer under load.
   ⚠️Spring compressor failure is a leading cause of serious injury in suspension work. Inspect compressor for damage before use. Never use makeshift compressors or clamps. Compress gradually and keep body parts clear of spring path.
6. 6

   Remove strut shaft nut and old mount
   With the spring safely compressed, use a wrench to hold the strut shaft (it has flats machined for this purpose) and remove the strut shaft nut with another wrench. Remove the old strut mount, bearing plate, upper spring seat, and any other components in the correct order, noting their orientation for reassembly. The spring remains compressed by the spring compressor during this step.
7. 7

   Inspect components and install new mount
   Inspect the strut shaft for damage or fluid leakage indicating strut failure. Check the spring for cracks or damage. Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Install the new strut mount assembly in the reverse order of removal, ensuring the bearing is properly seated and all components are oriented correctly. The mount studs must align with the holes in the strut tower when reinstalled.
   ℹ️Strut mount orientation is critical for proper steering geometry. Match the orientation exactly to the old mount, noting the position of the mount studs relative to the strut-to-knuckle bracket.
8. 8

   Reinstall strut shaft nut
   Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft and torque according to manufacturer specifications (typically 50-75 Nm, but verify with service manual as this torque spec is not provided in your database). Hold the strut shaft with a wrench to prevent rotation while torquing the nut.
   ⚠Verify proper torque specification from a Ford service manual for the strut shaft nut, as this critical specification was not provided in the database.
9. 9

   Release spring compressor
   Carefully and gradually release the spring compressor, alternating sides evenly. Ensure the spring seats properly in both the upper and lower spring seats as tension is released. Once the spring is fully seated and supporting the mount, completely remove the spring compressor.
   ⚠Release spring compressor slowly and evenly. Watch for proper spring seating. If spring appears misaligned, recompress and reposition.
10. 10

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Guide the strut assembly up into the wheel well, aligning the three upper mount studs with the holes in the strut tower. Thread the three strut tower nuts onto the studs hand-tight. Align the strut-to-knuckle bracket with the holes in the steering knuckle.
11. 11

    Secure strut to knuckle
    Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts through the knuckle and strut bracket. You may need to use a pry bar to align the holes. Torque both bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts140 Nm (104 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque strut tower nuts
    From under the hood, torque all three strut tower nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the mount.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Reconnect the sway bar link to the lower control arm. Insert an Allen key into the shaft to prevent rotation and install the nut. Torque the sway bar link nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and thread lug nuts hand-tight in a star pattern. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Repeat for opposite side. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Recheck lug nut torque with vehicle on ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any cowl panels or covers removed for strut tower access
2. Reposition washer fluid reservoir if moved
3. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
4. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for unusual noises from front suspension
• Verify steering returns to center properly after turns
• Check for any clunking or rattling over bumps that would indicate loose components
• Inspect strut tower area for proper mount seating with no gaps
• Schedule professional wheel alignment within one week of completion, as suspension geometry has been disturbed
• After first 50-100 miles, recheck all torque specifications, particularly strut-to-knuckle bolts and strut tower nuts

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