Strut Mount - Rear

Replace the rear strut mount assembly to restore proper suspension damping and eliminate noise from worn upper mounting components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut mount assembly × 1 — Motorcraft/OEM strut mount kit
• Strut bearing (if not included with mount) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper strut isolator/bumper (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at differential or frame rail
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-designated points
6. Remove rear wheel completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts and strut-to-knuckle bolts, allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open rear cargo area or fold down rear seats to access strut tower. In F-150, the rear strut towers are accessible from inside the bed. You may need to remove plastic trim covers or cargo tie-down anchor covers to expose the upper strut mounting nuts. Locate the three upper strut tower nuts (typically 13mm or 15mm).
2. 2

   Support suspension assembly
   Place floor jack under rear lower control arm or axle housing to support the suspension at normal ride height. This prevents the suspension from dropping when strut is disconnected. Raise jack until it just begins to support the weight, but do not lift the vehicle.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar link if needed
   If sway bar link interferes with strut removal, disconnect it from the strut or lower control arm. Hold the shaft with an Allen key while loosening the nut to prevent spinning. Note orientation and position for reassembly.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove lower strut mounting bolts
   Locate the strut-to-knuckle mounting bolts at the bottom of the strut assembly. These are typically two large bolts passing through the steering knuckle. Use a breaker bar if needed to loosen. Remove both bolts completely and note any alignment marks or cam adjustment features.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove upper strut tower nuts
   From inside the vehicle bed area, hold the strut shaft from rotating (if accessible) and remove the three upper strut tower mounting nuts. Do not allow the strut to fall. The assembly may drop slightly when final nut is removed.
   ⚠Support the strut assembly as you remove the final upper nut to prevent it from falling and causing injury or damage.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut assembly
   Carefully lower the floor jack supporting the suspension slightly to create clearance. Maneuver the strut assembly out from the wheel well, tilting as needed to clear the knuckle and bodywork. Place strut assembly on clean work surface.
7. 7

   Compress coil spring safely
   Install spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring, engaging at least three full coils. Alternate tightening the compressors evenly and gradually until spring tension is relieved from the upper mount. Verify spring is adequately compressed before proceeding - there should be visible gap between spring and upper mount.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressors are properly engaged and rated for the spring load. Compress slowly and evenly. Never place any body part in line with the spring axis during compression.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut
   Secure the strut assembly in a vise if available (clamp on strut body, not shaft). Use appropriate socket to hold the strut shaft from rotating while removing the upper strut shaft nut. Remove nut, washer, and upper mount assembly. Note order and orientation of all components for reassembly.
9. 9

   Disassemble and inspect components
   Remove old strut mount, bearing plate, upper spring seat, dust boot, and bump stop from strut shaft. Inspect all components for wear. Check spring for cracks or damage. Inspect strut body for leaks - if strut is leaking or failed, this is the time to replace the complete strut assembly.
10. 10

    Install new strut mount components
    Clean strut shaft threads with wire brush. Install components in correct order: bump stop, dust boot, spring (ensuring correct orientation with tapered end up), upper spring seat, bearing (if separate), and new strut mount. Ensure all components are properly aligned and seated. Note any alignment marks or positioning tabs.
11. 11

    Install and torque shaft nut
    Thread new strut shaft nut onto shaft. Hold shaft from rotating and tighten nut securely. While specific torque for shaft nut is not provided in database, tighten firmly (typically 60-80 Nm, but verify with service manual). Verify upper mount rotates freely on bearing.
12. 12

    Release spring tension
    Carefully and evenly loosen spring compressor tools, alternating sides to release tension gradually. Once spring is fully seated against upper and lower seats and no longer under compressor tension, completely remove spring compressor tools. Verify spring is properly seated in upper and lower isolators.
    ⚠Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Verify spring remains properly positioned as compressors are loosened.
13. 13

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Lift strut assembly into position. Guide upper mounting studs through strut tower holes. Install upper strut tower nuts finger-tight. Raise floor jack under suspension to align lower strut mounting holes with knuckle.
14. 14

    Install lower mounting bolts
    Align strut to knuckle, ensuring any cam bolts or alignment features are in original position. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts and tighten to specified torque. If vehicle has adjustable cam bolts, set to previous alignment position.
    Torque spec

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

    Torque upper mount and reconnect sway bar
    Torque the three upper strut tower nuts to specification. If sway bar link was disconnected, reconnect it now. Hold shaft with Allen key while torquing nut to prevent spinning.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern with vehicle weight on wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat procedure for opposite side if replacing both strut mounts (recommended)
2. Reinstall any interior trim panels or cargo area covers removed for strut tower access
3. Remove wheel chocks and test drive at low speed to verify proper operation

Verification

• Test drive vehicle and verify no unusual noises from rear suspension over bumps
• Verify steering returns to center properly and no pulling occurs
• Check for any clunking or rattling from upper strut mount area
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Have four-wheel alignment checked if strut-to-knuckle bolts were loosened or if vehicle pulls or wanders

More procedures for this vehicle