Ford Ecosport: Front Suspension / Disassembly and Assembly - Front Strut and Spring Assembly

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Materials

DISASSEMBLY

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the 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: Disassembly steps in this procedure may contain assembly details.

1. NOTE: Typical strut and spring assembly shown.

   Remove the front strut and spring assembly.
   Refer to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).
   

1.   WARNING: Coil springs and strut assemblies are compressed under extreme load. Always use a spring compressor for disassembly. Follow procedure instructions carefully and make sure the spring compressor has the correct spring plates or adapters.Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

   NOTICE: When installing a suitable spring compressor, use care not to damage the spring coating.

   Compress the coil spring enough to relieve the tension on the strut assembly.
   Use the General Equipment: Spring Compressor
   Use the General Equipment: Vise

1. NOTE: Note the position of the components before removal.

   NOTE: Do not use an impact wrench on the strut rod nut.

   NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the strut rod from turning while removing the strut rod nut.

   Remove and discard the strut rod nut. Disassemble the front strut and spring assembly in the order shown.
   

ASSEMBLY

1. To assemble, reverse the disassembly procedure.
   

1. NOTE: Make sure the grease is applied completely around the strut shaft. Do not allow grease to make contact with the strut rod threads.

   Liberally apply the specified grease to the length of the strut shaft that makes contact with the jounce bumper plus an additional 15 mm (0.5 in).
   Material: Motorcraft® Silicone Brake Caliper Grease and Dielectric Compound / XG-3-A (ESA-M1C200-A) (ESE-M1C171-A)

1. • Make sure that the lower spring seat is properly installed.
     
   • Allign the spring in the lower spring seat.
     

1. NOTE: Make sure that these components are installed to the noted removal position.

   NOTE: Make sure that the spring is correctly located in the lower spring seat.

1. Install the new strut rod nut.
   Use the General Equipment: Spring Compressor
   Use the General Equipment: Vise
   Torque: 41 lb.ft (55 Nm)

1. Install the front strut and spring assembly.
   Refer to: Front Strut and Spring Assembly (204-01 Front Suspension, Removal and Installation).