Front
Suspension
The front-wheel drive front suspension is an assembly is a MacPherson gas-pressurized strut design. The front spring and shock (3C098) assembly includes: A rubber isolated top front shock absorber mounting bracket (18183). Seat and bearing assembly. Front suspension bearing and seal (3B455).
Suspension components are installed as follows: Front shock absorber strut is attached at the top by three bolts retaining the top front shock absorber mounting bracket to the front fender apron (16054). The lower end of the assembly is attached to a pinch joint designed into the front wheel knuckle (3K185). A forged front suspension lower arm (3079) assembly is attached to the front subframe (5C145) and front wheel knuckle. A front suspension lower arm strut (3468) connects to the front suspension lower arm and to the front sub-frame. A sealed cartridge front wheel bearing (1215) is pressed into the front wheel knuckle and retained with a snap ring. The wheel hub (1104) is pressed into the front wheel bearing. A front wheel halfshaft spline is pressed through the wheel hub and is retained by a prevailing torque wheel hub retainer.
Components
Front Shock Absorber Mounting Brackets (18183): Isolate front shock strut from body.
Seat and Bearing Assembly: Provides a bearing and support pivot point and retains front coil spring (5310).
Front Coil Springs: Allow proper setting of the suspension ride heights and control suspension travel during driving/handling maneuvers.
Front Wheel Knuckles (3k185): Transmit steering input pivoting about the front suspension lower arm ball joints and upper mount bearing, house driveline components which propel vehicle, and support disc brake caliper (2B120).
Front Suspension Lower Arms (3079): Control lateral (side-to-side) movement of each wheel. Inner pivot attachment is pivot point for suspension.
Ball Joints: Connect front wheel knuckle to outer ends of the forged front suspension travel and turning.
Front Suspension Lower Arm Struts (3468): Control longitudinal (tore-and-aft) movement of wheels to reduce harshness when wheels hit sudden irregularities in road surface.
Front Stabilizer Bar (5482): Transmits forces to control vehicle roll during cornering.
Stabilizer Bar Link (5K484) Assembly: Provides increased roll control by attaching the front stabilizer bar to the front shock absorber strut.
Front Shock Absorber Struts: Provide dynamic damping of suspension, limit downward movement of wheels by an internal rebound stop and upward movement with an external jounce bumper. Provide lateral, longitudinal and vertical support for the front wheels.
Note: All suspension mounting points are rubber insulated to minimize transfer of road noise and vibration to body and interior.
Component Replacement
The following components may be replaced either individually or as an assembly: Gas-pressurized front shock absorber strut must be replaced as an assembly. The front shock absorber strut is not serviceable. Replace only the damaged front shock absorber strut. Front shock absorber struts are not to be replaced as sets. Front shock absorber mounting brackets (18183) may be replaced individually. Front shock absorber mounting bracket and seat assemblies may be replaced individually. Front coil springs (5310) may be replaced individually. Lower front spring insulators (5414) may be replaced individually. Front wheel knuckle (3K186) may be replaced individually. Wheel hubs (1104) may be replaced individually. Forged front suspension lower arm (3079) assemblies are replaceable with the ball joint, front suspension lower arm strut inner bushing (3C067) and front suspension strut insulator (3C078) included in the assembly. The front suspension lower arm assemblies may be replaced individually. Ball joint seals are not replaceable. Ball joint is not replaceable. Front suspension lower arm rear strut bushings (3B27 1) in the front suspension lower arm may be replaced individually. Front suspension lower arm strut inner bushings may be replaced individually. Front suspension lower arm struts (3468) may be replaced individually. Front suspension strut insulators may be replaced individually. Tension strut washers at the front sub-frame (5C145) and front suspension lower arm are replaceable with proper Ford approved hardened components. Front stabilizer bar (5482) may be replaced. Lower suspension arm stabilizer bar insulators (5493) may be replaced individually. Stabilizer bar brackets (5486) may be replaced individually. Front suspension lower arm struts may be replaced individually. Stabilizer bar link ball joints are not replaceable.
Fasteners, Suspension
CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are important attaching parts that they could affect performance of vital components and systems, and/or could result in major service expense. They must be replaced with ones of the same part number or with an equivalent part if replacement becomes necessary. DO NOT use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be as specified during assembly to ensure proper retention of parts. New fasteners must be used whenever old fasteners are loosened or removed and when new components are installed. Never attempt to heat, quench or straighten any front suspension part. Replace with a new part.
Strut
WARNING: ALL VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH GAS-PRESSURIZED FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER STRUT WHICH WILL EXTEND UNASSISTED. DO NOT APPLY HEAT OR FLAME TO THE FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER STRUT DURING REMOVAL.
When a gas-pressurized front shock absorber strut is held in a vertical position, it is normal for it to be fully extended because the front shock absorber strut is charged with gas pressure of up to 593 kPa (86 psi) above the oil level which results in an extending force on the piston rod that can produce a fully extended preload of up to 222 Nm (50 lb) on the piston rod.
Due to the preload, it will take up to 222 Nm (50 lb) to push the front spring and shock rod down into the cylinder tube (outer can). This is normal and does not indicate a binding condition.
When installed on the vehicle, the gas-pressurized front shock absorber strut will exhibit more oscillation (bounce) when the vehicle is bounced up/down at the front bumper (17757) than with a conventional strut. This is due to the gas pressure and valving and is a normal condition.