This procedure replaces the front strut mount assemblies on the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 Coyote engine, requiring disassembly of the front suspension components and use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount assembly (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Front strut mount assembly (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Strut mount bearing (if not included with mount) × 2 — Often included in mount assembly
• Strut tower nut set × 1 — Use OEM specification

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 while vehicle is on ground but do not remove
4. Lift front of vehicle using floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails behind front suspension
6. Remove front wheels completely and set aside
7. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow 15-20 minutes to soak
8. Take photos of both sides of suspension for assembly reference

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 of the link while removing the lower nut with a wrench. Once disconnected, swing the end link upward out of the way or disconnect the upper connection as well.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two brake caliper mounting bolts and carefully lift the caliper off the rotor. Support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord to avoid stressing the brake hose - do not let it hang by the hose. Remove the rotor by pulling it straight off the hub. If stuck, use penetrating oil and light taps with a rubber mallet on the rotor face.
   ⚠Never allow brake caliper to hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally and cause brake failure.
3. 3

   Disconnect ABS sensor wire
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor wire routing along the strut and control arm. Carefully unclip the wire from any retaining clips on the strut body and suspension components. Note the exact routing for reinstallation.
   ℹ️ABS sensor wires are fragile. Do not pull or bend sharply. Damaged sensors will trigger ABS warning lights.
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two large bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle at the bottom of the strut assembly. These are through-bolts with nuts on the backside. Use a wrench to hold the nut while removing the bolt with a socket. Tap bolts out with a hammer if needed. The knuckle will now be free from the strut but still connected to ball joint and tie rod.
   ⚠Support the knuckle and hub assembly with a jack or block after removing these bolts to prevent stress on ball joint and CV axle.
   Torque spec

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

   Open hood and access strut tower
   Open the hood and locate the strut tower inside the engine bay. Remove any plastic covers or components blocking access to the three strut tower nuts. On the 5.0L V8, you may need to move wiring harnesses or air intake components aside for better access. The three nuts are visible at the top of the strut shaft.
   ℹ️Do not remove the center nut on top of the strut shaft yet - this holds the compressed spring and will be removed later with spring compressor installed.
6. 6

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   While supporting the strut assembly from below with one hand or having an assistant hold it, remove the three strut tower mounting nuts (NOT the center shaft nut). Once removed, carefully lower the entire strut assembly down and out through the wheel well. The assembly is heavy - use care when maneuvering it out.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Have an assistant help or use a transmission jack to support weight during removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Install spring compressor
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or on a stable work surface. Install spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart), ensuring the compressor hooks engage fully with the spring coils. Begin compressing the spring gradually, alternating between compressors to maintain even compression. Continue until there is visible gap between the spring and the upper mount plate, and the spring tension is fully relieved from the mount.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressors are properly engaged and rated for the spring load. Compress evenly and slowly. Never place any body part in the potential path of a spring release.
   ⚠️Use only quality spring compressors in good condition. Cheap or damaged compressors can slip and cause the spring to violently release.
8. 8

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble
   With the spring fully compressed and tension relieved, use a socket and wrench to remove the large center nut on top of the strut shaft. You may need to hold the shaft from rotating using an Allen key or by holding the shaft itself with locking pliers on the flat spots if provided. Remove the top mount assembly, bearing plate, spring isolator, and spring. Note the exact order and orientation of all components for reassembly.
   ⚠Take clear photos during disassembly showing orientation of mount, bearing, and spring isolators. Incorrect reassembly can cause noise, binding, or failure.
9. 9

   Inspect and replace strut mount components
   Inspect the old strut mount for cracks, torn rubber, or separation between metal and rubber components. Check the bearing for roughness, pitting, or binding. Install the new strut mount and bearing assembly. Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush and inspect for damage.
   ℹ️Replace both upper mounts even if only one appears damaged. Uneven mount wear can affect alignment and handling.
10. 10

    Reassemble strut with new mount
    Place the spring (still compressed) onto the strut body with the spring isolator in proper position. Install the bearing plate with correct orientation (reference your photos). Install the new strut mount on top, ensuring the mounting studs align with the marks you noted (or align to match the strut-to-knuckle bolt positions for proper orientation). Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft and tighten securely while holding the shaft from rotating. Verify all components are properly seated before slowly releasing spring compressors.
    ⚠️Verify the strut shaft nut is fully tightened before releasing any tension on the spring compressors. A loose nut can allow the mount to separate violently.
    ⚠Release spring compressors slowly and evenly. Stop immediately if anything appears misaligned.
11. 11

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Lift the reassembled strut assembly up through the wheel well and align the three mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the three strut tower nuts and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the strut is properly oriented with the lower mounting holes aligned to the steering knuckle position.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect strut to steering knuckle
    Support the steering knuckle and hub assembly and align it with the lower strut mounting holes. Install the two strut-to-knuckle bolts from the front, pushing them through both the strut and knuckle. Install nuts on the backside and tighten to specification using a torque wrench while holding the bolt head.
    ℹ️Ensure the knuckle is fully seated against the strut before tightening bolts. Any gap can affect alignment and cause premature wear.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts153 Nm (113 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect ABS sensor wire and sway bar link
    Route the ABS sensor wire along the strut and secure it in all original retaining clips, following the routing noted during disassembly. Connect the sway bar end link to the lower control arm. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key while tightening the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install brake rotor and caliper
    Clean the hub face with a wire brush to remove any rust or debris. Install the brake rotor onto the hub. Remove the caliper from its support and install it over the rotor. Install and tighten the caliper mounting bolts to specification. Pump the brake pedal several times to ensure proper caliper piston position before moving the vehicle.
15. 15

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side if replacing both mounts. Once both sides are complete, lower the vehicle fully to the ground and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all suspension fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Check that ABS sensor wires are properly routed and secured away from rotating components
3. Confirm brake caliper is secure and brake pedal is firm before moving vehicle
4. Double-check that all three strut tower nuts are tight on both sides
5. Verify no tools or parts are left in wheel wells or engine bay

Verification

• Before driving, pump brake pedal several times to ensure firm pedal feel
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area and listen for any unusual noises from front suspension
• Check for proper steering return to center after turning
• Verify no clunking noises over bumps or during turns
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment within 50 miles of completing this repair - strut replacement affects alignment angles and tire wear
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all wheel lug nuts to specification
• Monitor for any vibrations, pulling, or unusual tire wear patterns in the following weeks

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