suspension

Strut Bearing

for 2012 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · 4WD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Advanced

Time

3.2 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Replace the front strut bearing assembly, which allows the strut to rotate smoothly during steering and supports the front suspension on this 4WD F-150.

Warnings

⚠️Compressed coil springs store enormous energy and can cause severe injury or death if released unexpectedly. Use only quality spring compressors and follow manufacturer instructions exactly.

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use rated jack stands on solid, level ground.

⚠️Improper torque specifications or installation sequence on suspension components can cause sudden failure while driving, resulting in loss of vehicle control.

⚠This procedure affects steering and suspension alignment. Professional alignment is required after completion.

⚠If you are uncomfortable working with compressed springs or lack proper spring compressor tools, have this service performed by a professional.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack stands rated for vehicle weightEssential

Torque wrench (30-200 lb-ft range)Essential

Coil spring compressor toolEssential

Socket set (metric)Essential

Breaker barEssential

Strut vise or holding fixtureEssential

Pry bar

Wire brush

Penetrating oil

Ball joint separator or pickle fork

Allen key setEssential

Parts

Strut bearing assembly (mount) × 2 — Ford BC3Z-18183-A or equivalent
Strut mount nuts (top) × 6 — Use OEM specification
Sway bar link (if worn) × 2 — Inspect during service

Preparation

Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
Chock rear wheels securely
Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at frame rails behind lower control arms
Remove front wheels completely
Spray all fasteners to be removed with penetrating oil and allow 15-20 minutes soak time
Take photos of strut tower area and component orientation for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1
Disconnect sway bar link from strut
Locate the sway bar end link connecting to the strut assembly. Hold the ball stud with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the upper nut connecting the link to the strut. If ball joint spins freely and is worn, replace the sway bar link.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
2
Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
Locate the two horizontal bolts securing the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. These are high-torque fasteners requiring a breaker bar. Remove both bolts completely and note their orientation. Support the knuckle assembly to prevent it from dropping or damaging the CV axle boot.
⚠The knuckle assembly will become loose and may drop when bolts are removed. Support with a jack or have an assistant hold it.
Torque spec
Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts153 Nm (113 lb-ft)
3
Access strut tower mounting area
Open the hood and locate the strut tower in the engine compartment. Remove any plastic covers or cowl panels obstructing access to the three upper strut mount nuts. On the driver side, you may need to move wiring harnesses or reservoir bottles aside for clearance.
4
Remove upper strut tower nuts
Locate the three nuts on top of the strut tower securing the strut mount. While supporting the strut assembly from below (or having an assistant hold it), remove all three nuts. The strut assembly will now be free and can be carefully lowered and removed from the vehicle.
⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Ensure it is supported before removing the final nut to prevent it from falling.
Torque spec
Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5
Secure strut in vise
Mount the strut assembly in a strut vise or secure holding fixture. Clamp on the strut body tube only, never on the piston rod. Position the assembly so the spring is accessible from all sides for compressor installation.
6
Install spring compressors
Install coil spring compressors on opposite sides of the spring (180 degrees apart). Ensure the compressor hooks are fully engaged in the coil spaces and positioned symmetrically. Thread the compressor bolts evenly, alternating between sides to maintain even compression. Compress the spring gradually until all tension is removed from the upper strut mount.
⚠️Compress the spring slowly and evenly. Never stand in line with the spring axis. Ensure compressor hooks are fully seated before applying force. Uneven compression can cause the spring to slip from the compressors violently.
7
Remove strut shaft nut
With spring fully compressed and no load on the upper mount, hold the strut shaft with an appropriate tool (usually 8mm Allen key or 21mm wrench depending on shaft design) and remove the top nut. This nut may be tight but should come off easily if spring is properly compressed.
⚠️If the nut is difficult to remove or the mount turns with it, the spring is NOT fully compressed. Do not force it—compress the spring more.
8
Disassemble strut components
Remove the upper strut mount, bearing assembly, upper spring isolator, and any washers or spacers. Note the exact order and orientation of all components—take photos if needed. The bearing is typically integrated into or sits directly below the upper mount. Inspect all components for wear, damage, or corrosion.
9
Install new strut bearing and mount
Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Install components in reverse order of removal: spring, lower isolator (if equipped), upper isolator, new bearing assembly, and new upper mount. Ensure the bearing seats properly and all components are oriented correctly according to reference photos. The mount has specific front/rear orientation—verify directional markings.
⚠The strut mount has a specific orientation for proper alignment. The mounting studs should align with the holes in the strut tower—verify orientation before final assembly.
10
Install strut shaft nut
Thread the new or reused strut shaft nut onto the shaft. Hold the shaft to prevent rotation and torque the nut to manufacturer specification (typically 35-45 lb-ft, but verify with service manual as this torque is NOT provided in your database). Verify the mount rotates smoothly on the bearing before proceeding.
ℹ️The strut shaft nut torque specification is not included in the provided data. Consult a factory service manual or the replacement bearing package for the correct value—typically 35-45 lb-ft for this application.
11
Remove spring compressors
Carefully and evenly loosen the spring compressors, alternating between sides. Allow the spring to gradually seat into the upper and lower isolators. Verify the spring ends are properly seated in their perches before removing compressors completely. The spring should sit naturally without any binding or misalignment.
⚠Release spring tension slowly and evenly. If the spring or mount appears misaligned, re-compress and reposition before continuing.
12
Reinstall strut assembly
Lift the strut assembly into position, guiding the upper mount studs through the strut tower holes. Verify correct orientation (front/rear). Install the three upper nuts finger-tight first, then torque to specification in a star pattern.
Torque spec
Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13
Reconnect strut to knuckle
Align the steering knuckle with the strut bracket. You may need to use a pry bar or jack to position the knuckle correctly. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts and torque to specification. Ensure bolts are fully seated and threads are not cross-threaded.
Torque spec
Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts153 Nm (113 lb-ft)
14
Reconnect sway bar link
Attach the sway bar end link to the strut. Install the nut while holding the ball stud with an Allen key to prevent spinning. Torque to specification.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
15
Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
Install wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until tires just touch the ground but weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts in star pattern to specification. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Bounce each corner of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if replacing both strut bearings
Reinstall any cowl panels, covers, or components removed for access
Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification and no tools or parts are left in engine bay
Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify no unusual noises or handling issues before highway use

Verification

Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary—should be smooth with no binding, popping, or grinding from strut towers
Check for any fluid leaks around strut shaft indicating damaged strut seal during service
Drive vehicle over small bumps at low speed and verify smooth suspension operation without clunking or rattling
Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately—this procedure will affect camber and caster settings
After 50-100 miles, re-check torque on strut tower nuts and strut-to-knuckle bolts to ensure nothing has loosened

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