This procedure replaces the strut bearing (upper strut mount bearing) on the front suspension of a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Strut bearing assembly (upper strut mount) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint cotter pin × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Thread locking compound (medium strength) × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight at frame rails
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating lubricant and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes
8. Take photos of strut assembly orientation and component positions for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the upper strut tower mounting nuts in the engine bay. On the driver side, you may need to move aside wiring harnesses or washer fluid reservoir for access. The strut tower has three mounting nuts visible from above. Do not remove these nuts yet.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link where it connects to the strut assembly. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft from rotating while loosening the upper nut with a wrench. Remove the nut completely and disconnect the sway bar link from the strut. Allow the link to hang freely or support it with wire.
   ⚠The sway bar link ball stud may spin freely if worn. Use penetrating lubricant and hold the stud with Allen key while loosening nut.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove brake line bracket from strut
   Locate the brake line bracket attached to the strut body. Remove the bolt securing the bracket to the strut. Carefully position the brake line aside to prevent damage. Do not disconnect or kink the brake line.
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two large bolts securing the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. These are through-bolts with nuts on the backside. Support the knuckle assembly with a jack or stand to prevent it from dropping. Use penetrating lubricant on the bolt threads. Remove both bolts completely. The knuckle and strut will separate - carefully guide the knuckle downward while pulling the strut free.
   ⚠Support the knuckle assembly before removing these bolts to prevent sudden drop and damage to CV axle, brake components, or ABS sensor.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts140 Nm (104 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove upper strut tower nuts and extract strut assembly
   Return to the engine bay and locate the three upper strut tower mounting nuts. While supporting the strut assembly from below (or having an assistant hold it), remove all three nuts. Carefully lower the strut assembly out through the bottom of the wheel well. Maneuver it clear of the brake rotor and control arms.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Have an assistant support it from below while removing upper nuts, or use a transmission jack to support it safely.
   Torque spec

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

   Install spring compressor on coil spring
   Place the strut assembly in a sturdy vise or on a clean workbench. Install a heavy-duty spring compressor tool onto the coil spring, ensuring the compressor hooks are properly seated in the coils. Install compressor arms on opposite sides of the spring for balance. Gradually compress the spring in small increments, alternating between sides, until the spring tension is completely relieved from the upper mount. You should be able to wiggle the upper mount freely when properly compressed.
   ⚠️Compressed springs can cause severe injury or death if compressor fails or is improperly installed. Ensure compressor hooks are fully engaged in coils and tighten evenly. Never place any body part in line with potential spring release path.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and upper mount
   With the spring fully compressed, use a wrench to hold the strut shaft from rotating (flat or hex section at top of shaft). Use another wrench or socket to remove the large nut on top of the strut shaft. Remove the nut, then lift off the upper strut mount assembly, strut bearing, dust boot, and bump stop. Note the orientation and order of all components for reassembly. Inspect the strut bearing for wear, roughness, or noise when rotated - this confirms replacement is necessary.
   ⚠Ensure spring is fully compressed before removing shaft nut. If any spring tension remains on the upper mount, do not proceed.
8. 8

   Install new strut bearing and upper mount components
   Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Install components onto the strut shaft in the correct order: bump stop, dust boot, spring seat (if separate), new strut bearing, and upper mount. Ensure the strut bearing is oriented correctly with the bearing race facing the proper direction. Align any indexing tabs or marks per the reference photos taken earlier. Thread on the strut shaft nut and torque to specification while holding the shaft from rotating. Note: Ford does not provide a specific torque value for the center shaft nut in all documentation - tighten securely (typically 50-60 Nm or 37-44 lb-ft) while preventing shaft rotation.
9. 9

   Release spring compressor
   Carefully and gradually release the spring compressor tension in small increments, alternating between sides to ensure even decompression. Verify that the spring seats properly in both the upper mount and lower spring seat. Once all tension is released and spring is fully seated, remove the spring compressor tool completely.
   ⚠Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Verify spring ends are properly seated in their perches before fully releasing compressor.
10. 10

    Reinstall strut assembly to vehicle
    Maneuver the strut assembly back into position in the wheel well. Guide the upper studs through the strut tower holes in the engine bay. Install the three upper strut tower nuts finger-tight. From below, align the lower strut bracket with the steering knuckle mounting holes. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts finger-tight. Do not fully torque any fasteners yet.
11. 11

    Torque strut mounting fasteners
    Torque the three upper strut tower nuts to specification in a star pattern. Then torque the two strut-to-knuckle bolts to specification. Ensure the knuckle is properly aligned and seated against the strut bracket before final torquing.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

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

    Reconnect brake line bracket
    Reposition the brake line bracket to the strut body and install the mounting bolt. Tighten securely but do not overtighten to avoid stripping the aluminum strut body. Ensure the brake line has adequate slack and is not kinked or stretched.
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Guide the sway bar link ball stud into the mounting hole on the strut. Install the nut and tighten while holding the ball stud shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub, ensuring it seats properly against the hub face. Install all lug nuts and tighten in a star pattern by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Repeat all steps for the opposite side strut bearing.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Verify brake lines are properly routed and secured with no kinks or excessive tension
3. Check that all electrical connectors near the work area are properly reconnected (ABS sensors, etc.)
4. Verify sway bar links are connected and torqued on both sides

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground, bounce each corner of the front end and listen for any clunking, grinding, or unusual noises from the strut area
• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and verify smooth operation with no binding or noise from strut bearings
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify proper steering response and no pulling to either side
• Drive over small bumps and verify no clunking or rattling from the strut mounts
• Have a professional alignment performed immediately after this repair, as the strut position may have shifted slightly, affecting alignment angles
• Re-check all fastener torques after 50-100 miles of driving

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