Strut Mount - Rear

This procedure replaces the rear strut mounts on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD with 5.0L V8 Coyote engine, which are critical suspension components connecting the strut assembly to the vehicle body.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut mount (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear strut mount (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount hardware kit (if not included) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-approved lift points
5. Support vehicle on jack stands rated for vehicle weight at frame rails
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak
8. Verify coil spring compressors are in good condition with no damage or wear

Procedure

1. 1

   Access Strut Tower Mounting Nuts
   From inside the vehicle bed, locate the rear strut tower access point. Remove any bed liner, cargo management components, or trim panels necessary to access the upper strut mount nuts. On the F-150, you may need to pull back the bed liner near the rear wheel well. The upper mount is accessed from inside the bed area.
2. 2

   Support Lower Suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm or axle tube near the strut mounting point to support the suspension weight. Raise jack just enough to slightly compress the suspension and relieve tension on the strut. Do not lift the vehicle higher off the jack stands.
   ⚠The jack must remain in position throughout disassembly to control suspension movement and prevent component damage.
3. 3

   Disconnect Sway Bar Link (if necessary)
   If the sway bar link interferes with strut removal, disconnect it from the strut bracket or lower control arm. Hold the stud shaft with an Allen key while removing the nut to prevent spinning. Keep hardware organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove Lower Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the strut to the rear knuckle or spindle assembly. These are large diameter bolts typically accessed from the rear. Use a breaker bar if necessary to break them loose, then remove completely. Support the strut to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy. Be prepared to support its weight when the lower bolts are removed.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts153 Nm (113 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove Upper Strut Tower Nuts
   From inside the bed, remove the upper strut tower mounting nuts (typically 3 nuts). Have an assistant support the strut from below, or ensure the floor jack is properly supporting the suspension. Once nuts are removed, carefully lower the jack to allow the strut assembly to drop down and be removed from the vehicle.
   ⚠Control the descent of the strut assembly carefully as you lower the jack to prevent damage to brake lines, ABS sensors, or other components.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Extract Strut Assembly
   Maneuver the strut assembly out from the wheel well area. You may need to angle it and carefully work it past brake lines and other components. Place the strut assembly on a clean, stable work surface.
7. 7

   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 spring and properly seated. Alternate tightening the compressors gradually and evenly to compress the spring until the upper mount can move freely and tension is relieved from the mount.
   ⚠️CRITICAL: Compress the spring slowly and evenly. Check compressor engagement frequently. An improperly installed compressor can slip and cause the spring to violently release.
8. 8

   Remove Upper Strut Shaft Nut
   Use a wrench to hold the strut shaft from rotating (there is typically a flat or hex section on the shaft). While holding the shaft, use another wrench or socket to remove the upper strut shaft nut. Once removed, carefully lift off the upper mount, bearing plate, and any isolators or washers. Note the exact order and orientation of all components for reassembly.
   ⚠Keep all washers, bushings, and bearings in order. Take photos if necessary to ensure correct reassembly sequence.
9. 9

   Inspect Components
   Inspect the strut shaft for damage, bending, or fluid leakage. Check the coil spring for cracks or damage. Inspect the jounce bumper and dust boot for deterioration. Replace any damaged components. Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush.
10. 10

    Install New Strut Mount
    Install the new strut mount assembly along with all associated components (bearing, isolators, washers) in the exact order and orientation as removed. Ensure the mount is properly oriented to align with the vehicle mounting studs. Thread the upper strut shaft nut onto the shaft.
11. 11

    Torque Upper Shaft Nut
    Hold the strut shaft from rotating using the flat or hex section. Torque the upper shaft nut to manufacturer specification (typically 30-50 Nm, verify with specific service data for your strut assembly). Do not over-torque as this can damage the mount bearing.
    ℹ️The upper shaft nut torque is specific to the strut assembly manufacturer and may not be listed in the vehicle torque specifications. Follow the strut mount manufacturer's specification.
12. 12

    Release Spring Compressors
    Slowly and evenly release tension on the spring compressors, alternating between them to decompress the spring gradually. Verify the spring seats properly in the upper and lower spring seats. Once fully decompressed and spring is seated correctly, remove the spring compressors.
    ⚠️Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Verify spring is seating correctly as you release tension. Stop immediately if anything appears misaligned.
13. 13

    Reinstall Strut Assembly
    Position the strut assembly back into the vehicle, carefully maneuvering it past brake lines and other components. Use the floor jack to raise the suspension and align the strut with its mounting points. Guide the upper mount studs through the strut tower holes from inside the bed. Align the lower strut bracket with the knuckle mounting holes.
14. 14

    Install Upper Strut Tower Nuts
    From inside the bed, install the upper strut tower mounting nuts finger-tight. Verify the mount is seated flat against the strut tower. Torque all nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install Lower Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts
    Insert the strut-to-knuckle bolts and install nuts. You may need to use the floor jack to align the holes precisely. Torque bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts153 Nm (113 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reconnect Sway Bar Link
    If disconnected, reconnect the sway bar link to the strut or lower control arm. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and torque the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Repeat for Opposite Side
    Perform steps 1-16 for the opposite side rear strut mount. It is critical to replace strut mounts in pairs to maintain balanced suspension performance and handling.
18. 18

    Reinstall Wheels
    Reinstall rear wheels and thread lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern but do not fully torque yet.
19. 19

    Lower Vehicle and Final Torque
    Carefully raise vehicle slightly with floor jack, remove jack stands, and lower vehicle completely to the ground. With full vehicle weight on the suspension, torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any bed liner, cargo management components, or trim panels removed for strut tower access
2. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and no tools or parts are left in the vehicle or wheel wells
3. Check that brake lines, ABS sensors, and wiring are properly routed and not pinched or stressed

Verification

• Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speeds and verify no abnormal noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper ride height and that vehicle sits level side-to-side
• Verify no clunking or rattling noises over bumps that would indicate loose mounting hardware
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all suspension fasteners to specification
• Have vehicle alignment checked by a professional alignment shop, as strut mount replacement can affect alignment settings

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