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Home › Ford › 2021 › Explorer ST › Repair and Diagnosis › Suspension › Front Suspension › Front Suspension - AWD › Removal And Installation › Front Strut and Spring Assembly › Removal

Front Strut and Spring Assembly: Removal

NOTE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified.
  1. Remove the wheel and tire. Refer to: Wheel and Tire .
  2. NOTE: Do not use power tools to remove the stabilizer bar link nut. Damage to the stabilizer bar link ball joint or boot may occur.
    NOTE: The stabilizer bar links are designed with low friction ball joints that have a low breakaway torque.
    NOTE: Use the TORX PLUS® holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the stabilizer bar link nut. Torx® and TORX PLUS® is a reg. tm of Acument Intellectual Properties, LLC.

    1. Remove and discard the front stabilizer bar link upper nut.
    2. Position aside the front stabilizer bar link.

    GFD509822Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  3. Remove the pin-type retainer and position the fender splash shield aside.
    GFD509768Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  4. Disconnect the front wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
    GFD509769Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    1. Remove the brake hose bracket bolt and position aside the brake hose.
    2. Remove the bolt and position aside the wheel speed sensor harness.
    GFD509823Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  6. NOTE: If equipped.

    1. Disconnect the ride height sensor electrical connector.
    2. Remove the ride height sensor arm anchor plate bolt.

    GFD509771Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  7. NOTE: Do not pry in the caliper sight hole to retract the pistons as this can damage the pistons and boots.
    NOTE: Do not allow the brake caliper and anchor plate assembly to hang from the brake hose or damage to the hose can occur.

    1. Remove and discard the 2 brake caliper anchor plate bolts.
    2. Position aside the brake caliper assembly.

    GFD509824Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  8. NOTE: Never allow the knuckle to hang from the lower control arms or damage to the ball joints can occur.

    1. Remove and discard the lower strut-to-wheel knuckle nuts and bolts.
    2. NOTE: Support the wheel knuckle assembly using mechanic's wire.

      Separate the wheel knuckle from the front strut and spring assembly.

    GFD509825Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  9. Remove the cowl panel grille. Refer to: Cowl Panel Grille .
    1. Remove and discard the 3 upper strut mount bolts.
    2. Remove the front strut and spring assembly.
GFD509826Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
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