This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear strut assembly on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost RWD, including disconnecting the sway bar link and strut-to-knuckle connection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut assembly (left or right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at approved lift point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight, positioned at frame lift points
6. Remove rear wheel completely
7. Spray all fasteners to be removed with penetrating oil and allow to soak 10-15 minutes
8. Visually inspect strut mounting area for rust, corrosion, or damage

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position floor jack under rear axle or lower control arm to support suspension weight. Raise jack just enough to take load off strut but not to lift vehicle off jack stands. The suspension should be at approximately ride height position.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the strut assembly. Using a 6mm Allen key to hold the link shaft from rotating, remove the upper sway bar link nut with a 15mm socket. Separate the sway bar link from the strut mounting point. Note orientation of washers and bushings for reassembly.
   ⚠The sway bar link ball stud may spin if not held with Allen key, preventing nut removal.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the strut to the rear knuckle at the lower portion of the strut. These are large diameter bolts typically 18mm heads. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. Support the knuckle with your hand or secure with wire to prevent it from dropping. You may need to use a pry bar to separate the strut from the knuckle after bolt removal.
   ⚠Ensure floor jack is supporting suspension weight before removing these bolts to prevent sudden suspension drop.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts140 Nm (104 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the rear cargo area or tailgate. Locate the strut tower access panel inside the vehicle, typically behind the rear seat or in the bed area depending on F-150 configuration. Remove any trim panels or access covers necessary to reach the upper strut mounting nuts. You should see 3-4 nuts at the top of the strut tower.
5. 5

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Using a 13mm socket, remove all strut tower mounting nuts (typically 3 nuts). Hold the strut from below to prevent it from falling once the last nut is removed. Do not allow the strut shaft to spin during removal.
   ⚠️Support the strut assembly before removing the final nut to prevent it from falling and causing injury.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut assembly
   Carefully lower the floor jack supporting the suspension slightly. Guide the strut assembly down and out from the wheel well. Maneuver the top of the strut through the strut tower opening. Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle. Inspect mounting hardware and replace any damaged or corroded components.
7. 7

   Transfer components if necessary
   If installing a complete strut assembly, proceed to installation. If installing only a strut cartridge, you must safely compress the coil spring using a proper spring compressor, transfer components to the new strut, and reassemble. This requires specialized tools and extreme caution.
   ⚠️Coil spring compression is extremely dangerous. Use only proper spring compressor tools and follow manufacturer instructions. Uncontrolled spring release can cause severe injury or death.
8. 8

   Install new strut assembly to tower
   Guide the new strut assembly up through the wheel well and align the upper mounting studs with the strut tower holes. Ensure any alignment marks or orientation tabs are correctly positioned. From inside the vehicle, thread on the strut tower mounting nuts by hand. Do not fully tighten yet.
9. 9

   Connect strut to knuckle
   Raise the floor jack to lift the suspension and align the knuckle with the strut mounting holes. You may need to use a pry bar to align holes precisely. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and thread nuts on by hand. Ensure bolts are fully seated before tightening.
10. 10

    Torque strut tower nuts
    Using a torque wrench and 13mm socket, torque all strut tower mounting nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even loading. Hold the strut shaft from rotating if necessary.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Using a torque wrench and 18mm socket, torque both strut-to-knuckle bolts to 140 Nm (104 lb-ft). Ensure knuckle is fully seated against strut before torquing.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts140 Nm (104 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link to the strut mounting point with washers and bushings in correct orientation. Thread the nut onto the link stud by hand. Using a 6mm Allen key to hold the shaft, torque the sway bar link nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) with a 15mm socket and torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Clean wheel mounting surface with wire brush. Install wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until tire just touches ground but weight is still on jack stands. Torque wheel lug nuts to 156 Nm (115 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Bounce rear of vehicle several times to settle suspension.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final torque verification
    With vehicle weight fully on wheels at ride height, verify all fasteners are properly torqued. Re-check strut-to-knuckle bolts and sway bar link nut torque values as suspension settling may affect torque. Reinstall any interior trim panels or access covers removed earlier.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts140 Nm (104 lb-ft)

    Sway Bar Link70 Nm (52 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all interior trim panels and strut tower access covers are properly reinstalled
2. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if replacing both rear struts
3. Do not drive vehicle until all fasteners are verified to proper torque specifications

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and listen for any abnormal noises from rear suspension
• Verify vehicle tracks straight and handles normally during gentle steering inputs
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all strut mounting fasteners and wheel lug nuts to specification
• Schedule professional alignment check if vehicle pulls to one side or tire wear appears uneven
• Visually inspect all mounting points for proper hardware installation and no loose components

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