Strut Bearing

This procedure replaces the front strut bearing (upper strut mount) on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L V8, which affects steering smoothness and noise during turns.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Strut bearing assembly (upper strut mount) × 2 — Use OEM Ford specification or quality aftermarket (Motorcraft recommended)
• Cotter pin for ball joint nut × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking points
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight, placed at frame rails
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes if components show corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar end link
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft stationary while removing the lower nut with a wrench. Separate the end link from the lower control arm. This provides clearance for strut removal.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor wire routing along the strut body. Disconnect the electrical connector and unclip any wire retainers securing the harness to the strut. Route the wire clear of the work area to prevent damage during strut removal.
   ⚠Do not pull on the wire itself. Support the connector body during disconnection to avoid damaging the sensor.
3. 3

   Disconnect upper ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the upper ball joint castle nut and discard it. Remove the castle nut completely. Use a pry bar or pickle fork to separate the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle. Apply penetrating oil if needed. Do not strike the ball joint housing itself.
   ⚠Using a pickle fork will likely damage the ball joint boot. Only use if you are replacing the upper control arm or ball joint.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two large bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. Support the knuckle and brake assembly with a jack or suitable support. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. The knuckle will now be separated from the strut.
   ⚠The knuckle, brake caliper, and rotor assembly are heavy and will drop if not supported. Ensure adequate support before removing bolts.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the three strut tower mounting nuts in the engine compartment at the top of the strut tower. Remove all three nuts completely. Do not remove the center nut on the strut shaft at this time.
   ⚠The center nut holds the compressed spring. Removing it without a spring compressor can result in serious injury.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   With the upper mounting nuts removed and the lower strut-to-knuckle bolts removed, carefully lower and maneuver the complete strut assembly out from the wheel well. The assembly is heavy and awkward. Work carefully to avoid damaging brake lines or other components.
   ℹ️Strut assembly weighs approximately 25-30 lbs and is bulky. Use proper lifting technique.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor tool
   Place the strut assembly in a bench vice or strut vice if available (clamp on the strut body, not the shaft). Install the spring compressor tool according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring the hooks engage fully on the coil spring. Install compressor arms opposite each other (180 degrees apart) for even compression. Verify secure engagement before proceeding.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor hooks are fully seated on the coil spring and the tool is rated for the spring load. Improper installation can cause the tool to slip, releasing the spring violently.
8. 8

   Compress coil spring
   Slowly and evenly compress the coil spring by alternating between compressor sides, making small adjustments to each side. Continue compressing until there is visible gap between the spring and the upper strut mount, and the spring is no longer under tension against the mount. The spring should feel loose on the strut shaft. This typically requires 2-4 inches of compression.
   ⚠️Compress evenly and slowly. Never stand in line with the spring ends. Wear safety glasses and keep hands clear of potential release paths.
9. 9

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble
   Hold the strut shaft from rotating using a wrench on the shaft flats or by holding the shaft with locking pliers (above the threads). Remove the strut shaft nut at the top of the assembly. Remove the upper strut mount bearing assembly, noting the orientation of all components. Remove the spring seat, dust boot, and bump stop. Keep all components in order for reassembly reference.
   ℹ️Take photos before disassembly to reference correct orientation of mount components during reassembly.
10. 10

    Install new strut bearing assembly
    Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Install components in reverse order: bump stop, dust boot, and spring seat onto the strut shaft. Install the new strut bearing assembly (upper mount) in the correct orientation - the mount has specific front/rear and left/right orientation. Ensure the spring seat aligns properly with the mount.
    ⚠The strut mount has directional installation. Verify orientation markings or reference photos taken during disassembly. Incorrect installation affects steering geometry.
11. 11

    Secure strut shaft nut
    Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft, ensuring it engages properly with clean threads. Hold the strut shaft from rotating and torque the shaft nut to specification. Verify that all components are properly seated and aligned before removing the spring compressor.
    ℹ️The shaft nut uses the same torque specification as the strut tower mounting nuts: 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor by alternating between sides, making small adjustments. The spring should seat evenly against the upper mount and lower spring seat. Once the spring is fully seated and under no load from the compressor tool, remove the compressor completely.
    ⚠Release tension slowly and evenly. Verify the spring seats properly in the upper and lower seats as tension is released.
13. 13

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Maneuver the strut assembly back into the wheel well and align the upper mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three strut tower nuts finger-tight. Guide the lower strut body to align with the steering knuckle mounting holes.
    ℹ️You may need an assistant or support device to hold the strut in position while starting the upper mounting nuts.
14. 14

    Connect strut to knuckle
    Support the steering knuckle and align the strut-to-knuckle bolt holes. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts and torque to specification. Ensure the knuckle is properly seated against the strut bracket before tightening.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts153 Nm (113 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Torque strut tower nuts
    Access the engine compartment and torque all three strut tower mounting nuts to specification in a star pattern (alternating between nuts).
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reconnect upper ball joint
    Position the upper ball joint stud into the steering knuckle. Thread the castle nut onto the ball joint stud and torque to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the cotter pin hole in the stud. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure. If the slots do not align, tighten the nut slightly more (never loosen to align).
    ⚠Always use a new cotter pin. Never reuse old cotter pins or substitute with wire.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Reconnect sway bar end link
    Position the sway bar end link into the lower control arm connection point. Install the nut and use an Allen key to hold the shaft stationary while torquing the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
18. 18

    Reconnect wheel speed sensor
    Route the ABS wheel speed sensor harness along the strut body in the original path. Secure all wire retaining clips to the strut. Connect the electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place and is fully seated.
    ℹ️Ensure the wire has adequate slack and will not be stretched or pinched during suspension travel.
19. 19

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub, threading lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat all steps for the opposite side strut bearing if replacing both sides (recommended for even wear)
2. After both sides are complete, verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
3. Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper operation before normal driving

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary. Listen for any grinding, clicking, or binding noises from the strut towers
• Inspect the strut tower area in the engine compartment while an assistant turns the steering wheel. Verify the strut shaft rotates smoothly within the bearing without wobble or resistance
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify smooth steering operation with no unusual noises during turns
• After the first 50-100 miles, re-torque all suspension fasteners to specification, particularly the strut tower nuts and strut-to-knuckle bolts
• Schedule a professional alignment after strut bearing replacement, as suspension geometry may have shifted during the repair

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