OEM 2003 Ford Windstar Shock Absorber

2003 Ford Windstar Shock Absorber Parts Q&A

• Q: How to Service and Repair the Front Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly on 2003 Ford Windstar?

  A: A repair or servicing procedure for the suspension strut and spring assembly can only commence after you unlock the steering wheel and elevate the vehicle for stability. Start by taking out the wheel then tire assembly before removing the front stabilizer bar link retaining nut and the strut and spring retaining bolt. A safety precaution is needed because extending the tripod CV joint over its limit can trigger internal part separation which results in halfshaft failure. Using a knuckle tool to gently apply downward pressure on the front wheel knuckle allows the strut and spring assembly to separate. Keep the knuckle steady as you prevent axle shaft movements. Lower the vehicle partially while you remove the strut and spring assembly through slotting the three mounting bracket retaining nuts. Use a suitable spring compressing tool to free tension then detach the strut assembly top shaft retaining nut with a crows-foot wrench which is combined with a 10-mm six-point deep well socket by maintaining the strut shaft still while working. Start by removing the upper washer and strut mounting bracket before extracting the lower washer and the combination of spring seat together with bearing assembly. Lightly pull the spring compressing tool followed by removing the coil spring with its attached dust boot from the strut assembly. The jounce bumper must be detached and positioned next to the lower spring insulator. When installing check the spring insulator for damages then proceed with correct assembly positioning starting from the seat then the bearing assembly and finally the lower spring insulator. Setup the lower spring insulator after the jounce bumper then install the spring compressing tool followed by the coil spring and dust boot. After placing the spring seat and bearing assembly with its lower washer you should install the strut mounting bracket and upper washer. Implement the new top shaft retaining nut to secure the assembly and detach the spring compressing tool before placing the strut and spring assembly inside the vehicle while attaching new mounting bracket nuts. Use the same procedure to partially raise the vehicle while you align the strut and spring assembly to the steering knuckle before you install a brand-new pinch bolt. Attach the stabilizer link to the strut and spring assembly using a new nut after which you must install the wheel and tire before lowering the vehicle.