This procedure replaces the rear strut mount assembly on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD, which isolates the strut from the chassis and allows for suspension movement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification or quality aftermarket
• Strut mount bearing (if not included in mount kit) × 1 — Often included with mount assembly

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts on the side being serviced while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at rear differential or frame contact point
5. Support vehicle on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified frame jacking points
6. Remove rear wheel on the side being serviced
7. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts and strut-to-knuckle bolts if corrosion is visible; allow to soak 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower mounting area
   Open the rear doors or tailgate as needed. Fold down or remove the rear seat bottom cushion on the side being serviced to access the cargo area. Locate the rear strut tower access panel in the wheel well area inside the cargo bed or under interior trim panels. Some models may have a plastic cover that needs to be removed by prying gently or removing retaining clips. The strut tower nuts are accessible from inside the vehicle.
2. 2

   Support the rear suspension
   Place a floor jack with a block of wood or rubber pad under the rear lower control arm or axle to support the suspension weight. Raise jack just enough to barely contact and support the weight, but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping when strut fasteners are removed and helps control the strut during removal.
3. 3

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   From inside the vehicle at the strut tower, locate the three mounting nuts securing the top of the strut mount to the chassis. Using an 18mm socket and ratchet, remove all three nuts while holding the studs from spinning if necessary. Keep track of any washers or spacers. Do not allow the strut assembly to drop; the floor jack should be supporting the suspension.
4. 4

   Disconnect sway bar link if necessary
   Inspect whether the sway bar link interferes with strut removal. If needed for clearance, remove the upper sway bar link nut connecting to the strut or control arm using a 15mm wrench to hold the shaft and appropriate socket for the nut. Note the orientation for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the bottom of the strut to the rear knuckle/spindle assembly. These are typically 15mm head bolts running horizontally through the strut bracket and knuckle. Remove both bolts completely while supporting the strut. You may need to use a pry bar to spread the knuckle bracket slightly or tap the bolts out with a hammer if they are tight in the hole.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts140 Nm (104 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove strut assembly
   With all fasteners removed, carefully lower the floor jack slightly to relieve any remaining pressure. Maneuver the strut assembly down and out from the wheel well. You may need to angle it and work it past brake lines and other components. Be careful not to damage ABS wiring, brake lines, or other nearby components. Place the strut assembly on a clean workbench.
7. 7

   Replace strut mount
   If replacing only the mount (not the entire strut), you must use spring compressors to safely compress the spring and disassemble the strut. Install spring compressors opposite each other on the spring coils and compress evenly until spring tension is relieved from the top mount. Remove the top nut while holding the strut shaft, then remove the old mount, bearing, and isolator. Install the new strut mount, bearing, and components in reverse order. Ensure the bearing is properly seated and the mount is oriented correctly (match to old part orientation). Reinstall top nut and torque to specification. Carefully release spring compressors evenly.
   ⚠️Compressed suspension springs can cause severe injury or death if released improperly. Use only proper spring compressors rated for the spring force. Compress evenly and never place your body in the path of potential spring release.
8. 8

   Install strut assembly into vehicle
   Lift the strut assembly into position in the wheel well, guiding the top mounting studs through the strut tower holes from below. You may need to raise the floor jack under the suspension slightly to align the bottom strut bracket with the knuckle mounting holes. Ensure all three top studs protrude through the tower before proceeding.
9. 9

   Install strut tower mounting nuts
   From inside the vehicle, install the three strut tower mounting nuts with any washers or spacers in their original positions. Thread nuts on by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Using a torque wrench and 18mm socket, torque all three nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even mounting pressure.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Align the strut lower bracket with the knuckle mounting holes. You may need to use a pry bar to spread the knuckle bracket slightly or adjust the floor jack height to align holes. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and thread nuts on by hand. Once both are started, torque both fasteners to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts140 Nm (104 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar link
    If the sway bar link was disconnected, reconnect it to the strut or control arm in its original position. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key or wrench to prevent spinning while torquing the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Clean the wheel hub surface with a wire brush. Install the wheel and thread lug nuts on by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern snugly but do not torque yet. Remove the floor jack from under the suspension. Carefully lower the vehicle from jack stands until the wheel contacts the ground but vehicle weight is still partially on stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final torque verification
    With the vehicle weight fully on the wheels, verify that all suspension fasteners are properly torqued. Walk around the vehicle and visually inspect the work area for any tools or parts left behind. Replace any interior trim panels or seat cushions that were removed for access.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any interior trim panels, access covers, or rear seat cushions removed during the procedure
2. Ensure all tools have been removed from the vehicle and work area
3. If both sides required service, repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side

Verification

• Before driving, bounce the rear of the vehicle up and down several times to settle the suspension and verify no unusual noises from the strut mount area
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and listen for any clunking, rattling, or abnormal noises from the rear suspension
• Verify that the vehicle handles normally with no pulling to one side during braking or cornering
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque the wheel lug nuts to specification as a safety check
• If any unusual noises, vibrations, or handling problems occur, stop driving immediately and inspect all fasteners and component installation
• Consider having a professional alignment check performed, especially if handling feels abnormal or tire wear patterns change

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