How to Change the Struts on a 2003 Mercury Sable

The struts on the Mercury Sable contain the coil springs and shock absorbers needed for absorbing the rough patches of the road. Changing these shocks is the same as with the Ford Taurus and very similar to other model cars. These are also very heavy components that should require multiple people to remove and install. Like any vehicle, the Sable requires balance, so changing both struts together is important.

Instructions

1

Raise the front end of the Sable and place the jack stands under the subframe to support the car. Remove the wheels.

2

Loosen the three nuts on the strut's upper mounting studs without removing them.

3

Remove the clip for the speed sensor wiring guide and disconnect the brake hose bracket from the strut.

4

Disconnect the stabilizer bar link from the strut's bracket using your wrench.

5

Mark the strut's relationship to the steering knuckle with paint, then remove the pinch bolt with your wrench and wiggle the knuckle away from the strut.

6

Remove the strut's upper mounting nuts as another person supports the strut, then have that person guide the strut out of the wheel well.

Installation

7

Guide the strut into position within the wheel well so the mounting studs go through the holes in the tower. Have your assistant apply the nuts without tightening them.

8

Reconnect the steering knuckle to the strut with its pinch bolt, lining up the markings.

9

Reconnect the stabilizer bar link, tightening its nuts to between 57 and 75 foot-pounds.

10

Reconnect the brake hose bracket and wiring clip.

11

Tighten the upper strut mounting nuts to between 22 and 29 foot-pounds, then reconnect the wheel and lower the car.