Front Suspension: Overhaul Ford Explorer V

Disassembly

1. WARNING: Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorber or strut tube. The shock absorber and strut tube are gas pressurized and could explode if heated. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury. WARNING: Keep all body parts clear of shock absorbers or strut rods. Shock absorbers or struts can extend unassisted. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury. NOTE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified. NOTE: When installing a suitable spring compressor, use care not to damage the spring coating. Remove the strut and spring assembly. REFER to «Strut and Spring Assembly»(ref-517541-S08590104762012121200000) .
2. WARNING: Do not attempt to disassemble the shock absorber and spring assembly without using a spring compressor. Assemblies are under extreme load. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury. NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the shock absorber rod from turning while removing the strut rod nut. Using a suitable spring compressor, slightly compress the spring to remove initial tension. Using the hex-holding feature to hold the strut rod, loosen the strut rod nut. Continue to compress the spring until tension is relieved.
3. Using the hex-holding feature to hold the strut rod, remove and discard the strut rod nut.
4. Remove the upper strut mount.
5. Decompress and remove the spring. Remove the dust boot, jounce bumper and the lower spring insulator.

Assembly

1. Install the lower spring insulator, the jounce bumper and the dust boot.
2. Compress and install the spring. To maintain wheel camber: position the notch and arrow on the upper strut mount outboard opposite the center of the mounting flanges on the strut. To adjust camber +0.5 degrees: position the notch and arrow on the upper strut mount inboard aligned with the center of the mounting flanges on the strut.
3. Inspect the upper strut mount and seat-bearing assembly. The spring insulator should not be cracked, torn or distorted. The strut bearing should turn freely without grinding. Install a new upper strut mount, if necessary.
4. Using the hex-holding feature to hold the strut rod, tighten the strut rod nut. Tighten to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).
5. Remove the spring compressor tool.
6. Install the strut and spring assembly. REFER to «Strut and Spring Assembly»(ref-517541-S08590104762012121200000) .