Taurus V6-195 3.2L DOHC SHO (1994)
Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber: Service and Repair
Front
Removal and Installation
1. Place ignition switch in Off position and ensure steering wheel is not locked.
2. Remove hub nut and loosen three strut attaching nuts, then raise and support vehicle. Do not raise vehicle with lower control arm.
3. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
4. Remove brake caliper and wire it aside.
5. Remove brake rotor and tie rod end.
NOTE: Do not use power tools to remove tie rod nut. Avoid damaging boot seal.
6. Remove stabilizer bar link nut, then remove link from strut.
7. Remove lower control arm to steering knuckle pinch nut and bolt, then slightly spread joint and remove lower control arm.
8. Using suitable hub remover/installer, press axle from hub. Wire axle shaft to body to maintain level position.
CAUTION: Do not allow axle shaft to move outward. Overextension of the Constant Velocity (CV) joint could result in separation of internal
parts, which could cause CV joint failure.
9. Remove strut to steering knuckle pinch bolt, then spread joint slightly and remove steering knuckle and hub assembly.
10. Remove strut attaching nuts, then remove strut assembly from vehicle.
11. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Tighten all fasteners to specifications in following order: strut to steering knuckle pinch bolt, lower control arm to steering knuckle pinch bolt,
stabilizer bar assembly to strut, tie rod end attaching nut, and strut attaching nuts.
b. With vehicle on ground, tighten hub nut to 180-200 ft lb.
Strut Service
1. Compress strut spring with a suitable coil spring compressor.
2. Using a 10 mm box wrench, restrain strut shaft, then remove strut mounting nut with suitable 21 mm crowfoot socket.
NOTE: Do not allow strut shaft to rotate.
3. Loosen compressor tool, then remove strut top mount bracket assembly, bearing and seat assembly and spring.
4. Reverse procedure to install.
