This procedure replaces the front strut mount assembly on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including removal of the strut assembly from the vehicle and proper installation with new mounts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount assembly (left and/or right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount bearing (if not included in mount kit) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Upper strut mount isolator × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for ball joint × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Apply penetrating oil to strut-to-knuckle bolts, sway bar link nuts, upper strut tower nuts, and any visible corroded fasteners
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands placed under frame rails
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Inspect strut assembly and surrounding components for additional damage or wear
8. Take photos of assembly orientation for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the strut assembly. Insert an Allen key into the shaft end of the link stud to prevent rotation. Using a wrench on the nut, remove the sway bar link nut from the strut side. The link can remain attached to the sway bar. Support the link with wire or zip tie to keep it out of the way.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect brake line and ABS sensor
   Locate the brake line bracket attached to the strut body. Remove the bolt or clip securing the brake line to the strut. On models with ABS, disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor wire from any clips on the strut. Do not disconnect the sensor itself. Ensure adequate slack exists so lines are not stressed during strut removal.
   ⚠Do not kink, stretch, or damage brake lines. Do not allow brake caliper to hang by the brake hose.
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two large bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. These are typically through-bolts with nuts on the backside. Support the knuckle and brake assembly with a jack or stand. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. The knuckle will separate from the strut but should remain supported by the lower control arm and tie rod connections.
   ⚠Support the knuckle assembly before removing the second bolt to prevent it from dropping suddenly.
   Torque spec

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

   Access upper strut tower mounting area
   Open the hood fully. Locate the upper strut mount in the engine bay at the front corner of the strut tower. Remove any covers, cowl panels, or trim pieces obstructing access to the three upper strut tower nuts. On the driver side, the battery or air filter housing may limit access but typically does not require removal.
   ℹ️The upper mount nuts are accessible from the engine bay. Do not attempt to access from underneath the vehicle.
5. 5

   Remove upper strut tower nuts
   Have an assistant support the strut assembly from below, or use a floor jack under the lower control arm to support weight. Locate the three nuts on top of the strut tower. Remove all three upper strut tower nuts completely. The strut shaft will have a center nut that should NOT be removed at this time—only remove the three mounting nuts around the perimeter.
   ⚠️The center shaft nut is under spring tension. Do NOT remove this nut until the spring is properly compressed with a spring compressor tool. Removing it now can cause the spring to release violently.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   With the upper nuts removed and the lower strut disconnected from the knuckle, carefully maneuver the complete strut assembly out of the vehicle. It may require angling and rotating to clear the wheel well and surrounding components. Lower the assembly carefully and place on a stable workbench.
   ⚠Strut assemblies are heavy and awkward. Use proper lifting technique and get assistance if needed.
7. 7

   Compress coil spring
   Mount the strut assembly securely in a vise or strut holding fixture. Install spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart). Tighten the compressors evenly and gradually, alternating between sides frequently. Continue compressing until there is visible gap between the spring and the upper mount, and no tension is present on the center shaft nut.
   ⚠️Use only quality spring compressors in good condition. Compress evenly and slowly. Ensure compressors are fully engaged with the spring coils and cannot slip. Never place your body over the spring during compression.
8. 8

   Remove center shaft nut and disassemble strut mount
   With the spring fully compressed and no load on the shaft nut, use a wrench on the shaft (may require Allen key or special strut socket) to prevent rotation. Remove the center shaft nut completely. Carefully remove the upper mount assembly, bearing plate, isolator, spring seat, and spring. Note the orientation and order of all components for correct reassembly.
   ⚠Mark or photograph the orientation of the spring seat and mount before disassembly. Incorrect orientation can affect alignment and handling.
9. 9

   Install new strut mount assembly
   Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Install components in reverse order: spring (with compressed spring compressors still attached), spring seat in correct orientation, isolator, new strut mount bearing, and new upper strut mount. Ensure all components seat properly and align correctly with any indexing features or orientation marks.
   ℹ️Verify the new strut mount matches the original orientation. The mount has a specific front-to-back orientation that affects alignment.
10. 10

    Install and torque center shaft nut
    Thread the center shaft nut onto the strut shaft. Hold the shaft from rotating and torque the center nut to specification per the strut mount manufacturer (typically 70-80 Nm, but verify with part documentation). Once secured, carefully and evenly release the spring compressors, alternating sides gradually. Verify the spring seats properly in the upper and lower spring seats.
    ⚠Release spring compressors slowly and evenly. Watch for proper spring seating. If anything appears misaligned, re-compress and correct before proceeding.
11. 11

    Reinstall strut assembly to vehicle
    Maneuver the strut assembly back into the wheel well and position the upper mount studs through the holes in the strut tower. Start all three upper strut tower nuts by hand to hold the assembly in place. Do not fully tighten yet. Align the lower strut bracket with the steering knuckle.
    Torque spec

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

    Connect strut to steering knuckle
    Align the strut-to-knuckle bolt holes. You may need to use a pry bar or jack to align the knuckle properly. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts with washers and nuts. Torque both bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts140 Nm (104 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque upper strut tower nuts
    Return to the engine bay and torque all three upper strut tower nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even loading of the mount.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link to the strut mounting point. Install the nut and use an Allen key to hold the shaft while torquing the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reattach brake line and ABS sensor
    Secure the brake line bracket back to the strut body with its mounting bolt or clip. Reattach any ABS wheel speed sensor wiring to clips on the strut. Verify there is no tension or pinching on any lines or wires through full steering travel.
16. 16

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat all steps for the opposite front strut assembly. It is strongly recommended to replace strut mounts in pairs to maintain balanced suspension performance and handling characteristics.

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners have been torqued to specification
2. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the engine bay or wheel wells
3. Reinstall any cowl panels, covers, or trim pieces removed for access
4. Verify brake lines and ABS wiring are properly secured and not contacting moving parts
5. Check that steering operates smoothly through full lock-to-lock travel

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speed and verify no unusual noises from the front suspension
• Verify steering feels normal with proper returnability and no binding
• Listen for any clunking, popping, or rattling noises over bumps that would indicate improper assembly
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as soon as possible, as this procedure can affect camber and caster settings
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all wheel lug nuts and verify no fasteners have loosened
• Inspect the strut mount area for any fluid leaks or unusual wear patterns after the first few drives

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