Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Shock Absorber
Removal
WARNING: All vehicles are equipped with gas pressurized shock absorbers which will extend unassisted. Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorbers during removal or component servicing. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury.
CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number or an equivalent part must be installed, if installation is necessary. Do not use a part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to ensure proper retention of these parts.
1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove the front brake disc.
4. Remove the bolt and the ABS sensor.

5. Unclip the ABS sensor wire from the bracket.

6. Remove the nut and the ABS sensor wire bracket.

7. Support the front suspension lower arm (3078) with a jack stand.
8. Disconnect the shock absorber (18124) from the spindle (3105).
1. Remove and discard the nuts and bolts.
2. Disconnect the shock absorber.

9. Carefully lower the front suspension lower arm and remove the jack stand.
10. CAUTION: Do not allow the weight of the vehicle to rest on the front brake disc shield. Damage to the shield can occur.
Lower the vehicle to access the upper mount nuts and bolt.
11. Remove the shock absorber.
1. Remove the bolt and nuts. Discard the nuts.
2. Remove the shock absorber.

12. Position the shock absorber in a vise.
13. Remove the nut and the front shock absorber mounting bracket (18183).

14. Remove the sleeve and the bushing.

Installation
1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.





Spindle
Special Tool(s)
Tie-Rod End Remover
211-001 (TOOL-3290-D) or
Equivalent
Removal
CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect
performance of vital
components and ...
Spring
Special Tool(s)
Tie-Rod End Remover
211-001 (TOOL-3290-D) or
Equivalent
Coil Spring Compressor
204-D001 (D78P-5310-A) or
Equivalent
...
Other materials:
Supercharger Cooling (Diagnosis and Testing)
Special Tool(s)
Pressure Test Kit
014-R1072 or equivalent
Battery/Antifreeze Tester
014-R1060 or equivalent
Material
Item
Specification
Motorcraft Premium
Engine Coolant
VC-4-A (in Oregon
VC-5, in Canada
C ...
Control Valve
Removal
1. Disconnect the brake tubes.
2. Remove the brake fluid control valve bracket nut.
Installation
1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
...
Parking Brake Cable Tension Release
1. CAUTION: If any component in the parking brake system requires
repair or if the
rear axle housing (4010) is removed, the cable tension must be released.
Place the parking brake control (2780) in the released position.
2. Remove the console.
3. W ...
