Lincoln Aviator: Rear Suspension / Removal and Installation - Rear Shock Absorber

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Removal

NOTICE: 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 (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
   

1. NOTE: If equipped with dynamic suspension.

   
   
   • Disconnect the rear ride height sensor electrical connector and separate the wiring harness guide.
     
   • Remove the rear ride height sensor arm anchor plate bolt.
     

1. Disconnect the rear shock absorber electrical connector.
   

1. Unclip the rear shock absorber wire harness retaining clips and position the harness aside.
   

1. NOTICE: Do not attempt to jacking on the front control arm or rear control arm on any vehicle. Damage to control arms may occur.

   NOTICE: Make sure that the insulator pads are correctly positioned to prevent direct contact with other components.

   Support the rear suspension using an axle stand.
   Use the General Equipment: Vehicle/Axle Stands

1. 1. Hold the flag portion of the taper pin.
      
   2. Remove and discard the rear shock absorber lower nut.
      

1. Remove and discard the rear shock absorber upper bolts.
   

1. NOTICE: Check the top mount dust cap for damage. If damaged, install a new top mount dust cap.

   NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   Remove the rear shock absorber top mount dust cap.
   

1. NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove the nut.

   NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the shock absorber rod from turning while removing or installing the shock absorber rod nut.

   Remove and discard the rear shock absorber rod nut and Remove the shock absorber top mount.
   

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   1. Remove the dust shield.
      
   2. Remove the jounce bumper.
      

Installation

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   1. Install the jounce bumper.
      
   2. Install the dust shield.
      

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the shock absorber rod from turning while removing or installing the shock absorber rod nut.

   Install the new rear shock absorber rod nut.
   Torque: 22 lb.ft (30 Nm)

1. NOTICE: Check the top mount dust cap for damage. If damaged, install a new top mount dust cap.

   NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   Install the rear shock absorber top mount dust cap.
   

1. 1. Compress the rear shock absorber and align the rear shock absorber upper mount under the body alignment pins.
      
   2. Install the new rear shock absorber upper bolts.
      Torque: 76 lb.ft (103 Nm)

1. 1. Install the rear shock absorber and hold the flag portion of the taper pin.
      
   2. Install the new rear shock absorber lower nut.
      Torque: 59 lb.ft (80 Nm)

1. Position the rear shock absorber wire harness and clip the harness retaining clips into place.
   

1. Connect the rear shock absorber electrical connector.
   

1. NOTE: If equipped with dynamic suspension.

   
   
   • Intsall the rear ride height sensor arm anchor plate bolt.
     Torque: 22 lb.ft (30 Nm)
   • Connect the rear ride height sensor electrical connector and position the wiring harness guide.
     

1. Install the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheel and Tire (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
   

1. NOTE: If equipped with dynamic suspension.

   Calibrate the suspension system. Connect the scan tool and carry out the Ride Height Calibration routine. Follow the scan tool directions.