Note: The shock absorber strut can be removed in two different ways. The second method is given at the end of the chapter.
Removal
Mark the position of the wheels on the hub with paint so that they can be installed in the same place during assembly. Loosen the wheel nuts on the lowered car. Raise the rear of the car and remove the rear wheels.
Where necessary, unscrew the ABS sensor "5" from the axle journal, disconnect the wire from the shock absorber strut.
Where necessary, disconnect the electronic shock absorber adjustment plug and disconnect the wire from the shock absorber strut.
Car with disc brakes
Remove the brake caliper, see item 15.6.
Hang the bracket with wire on the inner mudguard, making sure not to twist or pull the brake hose. The brake hose remains connected, otherwise you will have to bleed the brake system after installation.
Car with drum brakes
Clamp the brake hose with a suitable clamp.
Disconnect the brake hose from the bracket on the shock absorber strut
Remove the brake hose retaining clip from the shock absorber strut
Disconnect the stabilizer link from the front control arm.
Disconnect the reaction rod "3" from the axle journal "1".
Disconnect the front "2" and rear "4" wishbone from the trunnion.
Unscrew the clamp bolt securing the shock absorber strut to the journal.
Spread the axle journal clamp and remove the shock absorber strut. For this purpose, the FORD service station uses the 14-039 device. The device is inserted into the groove of the journal, as shown in the figure, and the lever is turned 90°, thereby releasing the shock absorber strut. For this operation, you can use a chisel or a suitable pry bar, paying attention not to damage small parts.
Compress the spring with two thin compression tools. FORD stations use the 14-02 tool for this.
Remove the two bolts securing the upper shock absorber support in the wheel well and remove the shock absorber.
Installation
Install the shock absorber strut into the wheel well, while directing the molded part of the upper support to the corresponding place in the wheel well. Fasten the upper support with a torque of 30 Nm.
Loosen the spring and install the shock absorber strut on the cross beam.
Insert the shock absorber strut into the axle journal. Remove the spreader.
Install the new self-locking shock absorber clamp bolt, making sure the bolt fits through the slot in the mounting plate. Tighten the bolt to 85 Nm.
Secure the front and rear wishbones.
Attention! Perform final tightening only with the vehicle standing on its wheels.
Secure the reaction rod to the trunnion without tightening the bolt.
Secure the stabilizer bar connector to the front wishbone without tightening the threaded connection.
Drum brakes: Connect the brake hose. Make sure that the brake hose and extension are not stretched or deformed. Bleed the brake system, see item 15.12.
Disc brakes: Install the brake caliper, see item 15.6.
Connect the electronic shock absorber adjustment multi-pin plug where necessary and secure the wire to the shock absorber strut.
Screw in the ABS sensor, if removed, 10 Nm.
Install the rear wheels so that the marks made earlier match. Before installing the wheels, lubricate the centering surface on the wheel hub with a thin layer of consistent grease. Screw on the wheel mounting nuts. Lower the car and tighten the nuts crosswise to a torque of 100 Nm.
Tighten the following bolts and nuts to the specified torques.
Attention! The car must be on its wheels:
- Front wishbone on axle stub: 85 Nm
- Rear wishbone on axle stub: 125 Nm
- Torque rod on axle trunnion: 120 Nm
- Transverse control arm connecting element: 35 Nm
Removing and installing the shock absorber strut, second option
Raise the car.
Carefully support the rear axle cross member.
Unscrew the four bolts securing the beam and lower it down.
Unscrew the clamp bolt securing the shock absorber strut to the journal.
Spread the axle journal clamp with tool 14-039 and pull the journal down off the shock absorber strut.
Unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the shock absorber strut.
Install the shock absorber strut into the wheel well and secure it.
Insert the shock absorber strut into the axle journal and tighten the clamp bolt to 85 Nm.
Raise the cross member, align the guide holes -2/3- or pins (4x4) and tighten the bolts "1" to 120 Nm.
Lower the car.
Check the rear wheel track at a service station and adjust if necessary.