Replace both front coil springs on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, requiring suspension disassembly and spring compression.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent rated for F-150
• Front coil spring - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent rated for F-150
• Strut mount bearing (if worn) × 2 — Inspect during disassembly
• Strut mount insulators (if damaged) × 2 — Inspect during disassembly
• Sway bar link bushings (if worn) × 2 — Inspect during disassembly

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely on both sides
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front jacking point
5. Place jack stands under frame rails behind front suspension - do NOT place under control arms
6. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before proceeding
7. Remove both front wheels completely
8. Apply penetrating oil to all suspension fasteners and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
9. Verify you have proper heavy-duty spring compressors rated for truck coil springs

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar end links
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm on the side being serviced. Hold the internal hex shaft with an Allen key while loosening the lower nut with a wrench. Remove the nut completely and disconnect the end link from the control arm. Repeat for other side.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two caliper mounting bolts from the back of the caliper. Carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and suspend it from the frame with wire or a bungee cord - do NOT let it hang by the brake hose. Remove the rotor by pulling it straight off the hub. If stuck, use penetrating oil and light tapping with a rubber mallet.
   ⚠Never allow brake caliper to hang unsupported by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect upper ball joint
   Locate the upper ball joint nut where the upper control arm connects to the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin if equipped. Use a socket to remove the upper ball joint nut. Use a ball joint separator tool to separate the ball joint stud from the knuckle. Apply steady pressure - do not strike violently.
   ⚠Ball joint separators can slip and cause injury. Ensure proper tool engagement before applying force.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut101 Nm (75 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect ABS sensor wire and brake line
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor wire bracket attached to the strut assembly. Remove any clips or fasteners securing the wire to the strut. Also remove any brake line brackets attached to the strut. Carefully move wiring and lines aside to prevent damage during strut removal.
5. 5

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two large bolts connecting the bottom of the strut assembly to the steering knuckle. Support the knuckle assembly with one hand or a jack. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. Carefully push the knuckle assembly outward and down to separate it from the strut.
   ⚠The knuckle assembly will become loose and heavy once separated from strut. Support it to prevent sudden dropping or damage to CV axle.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the three strut tower mounting nuts visible from the engine bay. They are typically accessible near the fender well. Have an assistant support the strut assembly from underneath, or use a jack under the lower control arm for support. Remove all three nuts from the strut tower. Carefully lower the complete strut assembly out from underneath the vehicle.
   ⚠️Strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Ensure it is properly supported before removing final mounting nut to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Compress coil spring
   Place the strut assembly in a secure work position, preferably in a bench vise (clamp on strut tube, NOT on piston rod). Install spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring, ensuring hooks are properly engaged in the coils. Gradually tighten the compressors alternately in small increments to compress the spring evenly. Continue compressing until spring tension is completely released from the upper strut mount - you should be able to wiggle the mount freely.
   ⚠️This is the most dangerous step. Compress slowly and evenly. Ensure compressor hooks are fully engaged and tools are rated for this spring. Never place your face or body in line with the spring. Wear safety glasses and work in a clear area.
   ⚠️Spring must be fully compressed before removing center nut. If spring still has tension on the mount, DO NOT proceed.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble
   With spring fully compressed, use a wrench to hold the strut shaft (use flats at top of shaft) while removing the center strut shaft nut with another wrench or socket. Once nut is removed, carefully lift off the upper mount assembly, bearing plate, spring seat, and compressed spring. Keep all components in order for reassembly. Inspect the strut mount bearing, bushings, and insulators for wear or damage.
   ⚠Even with spring compressed, keep compressor tools installed until spring is completely removed from strut. Do not release spring compression yet.
9. 9

   Install new spring on strut
   With spring compressors still on the OLD spring, carefully remove them and install on the NEW spring in the same positions. Compress the new spring until it can be installed on the strut assembly. Note the orientation of spring ends - the spring has a top and bottom end with different coil spacing. Place the compressed new spring onto the strut, ensuring the bottom end seats properly in the lower spring seat. Install the upper spring seat, bearing plate, and upper mount in the correct order.
   ℹ️Spring orientation is critical. The tighter wound coils typically face one direction. Reference photos taken during disassembly or compare to old spring position.
10. 10

    Install strut shaft nut
    Hold the strut shaft with a wrench on the flats while threading on the strut shaft nut. Tighten securely - typical torque is 50-60 Nm but verify spring is seated and mount is secure. Gradually and evenly release the spring compressors, alternating sides in small increments. As compression is released, verify the spring seats properly in both upper and lower spring seats. Once fully released, remove spring compressor tools.
    ⚠️Release spring compression slowly and evenly. Watch carefully to ensure spring remains properly seated in both spring seats as tension is released. If spring begins to shift or seat improperly, re-compress and reposition.
11. 11

    Reinstall strut assembly
    Lift the assembled strut into position from underneath the vehicle, aligning the three upper mount studs with the holes in the strut tower. You may need an assistant or a jack for support. Thread on the three strut tower nuts finger-tight. Connect the lower end of the strut to the steering knuckle and install both strut-to-knuckle bolts. Leave bolts slightly loose for now.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect upper ball joint and brake components
    Align the upper ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. Install the ball joint nut and tighten to specification. Install new cotter pin if equipped. Reattach the ABS sensor wire brackets and brake line brackets to the strut assembly. Reinstall the brake rotor onto the hub. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and install both caliper mounting bolts, torquing to specification.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut101 Nm (75 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar end links
    Connect the sway bar end link to the lower control arm. Install the nut while holding the internal shaft with an Allen key. Tighten to specification. Repeat for other side.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque strut fasteners
    With suspension hanging free (vehicle still on jack stands), torque the three strut tower nuts from inside the engine bay to specification. Then torque both strut-to-knuckle bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install wheels and perform final torquing
    Install both front wheels and thread lug nuts on by hand. Carefully raise vehicle with floor jack to remove jack stands. Lower vehicle to the ground. With full vehicle weight on wheels, torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Check that all suspension fasteners are properly tightened.
    ℹ️Control arm bolts on this vehicle are typically torqued with vehicle at ride height. Verify all control arm fasteners disturbed during this procedure are properly torqued.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps
2. Ensure all brake line and ABS sensor brackets are properly secured to prevent rubbing or chafing
3. Verify no tools or parts were left in wheel wells or suspension components

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and listen for unusual noises from front suspension
• Check for proper steering response and verify no pulling to either side
• Visually inspect all fasteners for proper installation and torque
• Schedule four-wheel alignment immediately - spring replacement will affect alignment settings
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts and verify all suspension fasteners remain tight
• Monitor brake performance to ensure calipers were properly reinstalled

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