Lincoln Aviator: Front Suspension - RWD / Removal and Installation - Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly - Vehicles With: Air Suspension

Removal

  WARNING: Vent all air pressure from the air suspension system prior to disconnecting or removing any air suspension components. It is dangerous to remove air suspension components while under pressure. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

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.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

1. Depressurize the air suspension system.
   Refer to: Air Suspension System Depressurize and Pressurize (204-05 Vehicle Dynamic Suspension, General Procedures).
   

1. Remove the retainers and remove the cross brace.
   Torque: 22 lb.ft (30 Nm)

1. Disconnect the front shock absorber and air spring assembly electrical connector.
   

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

1. Disconnect the front shock absorber and air spring assembly air line.
   Torque: 35 lb.in (4 Nm)

1. Disconnect the dynamic suspension electrical connector unclip and position the harness aside.
   

1. NOTICE:

   The front suspension height sensor must be disconnected from the lower control arm prior to servicing suspension components or damage to the suspension height sensor and/or the vehicle dynamic suspension system may occur. The sensor will need to be recalibrated after reassembly.
   Remove the ball stud from the lower control arm and position the front height sensor arm aside.
   Torque: 80 lb.in (9 Nm)

1. NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove or install the stabilizer bar link nuts. Damage to the stabilizer bar link ball joints and boots may occur.

   NOTE: The stabilizer bar links are designed with low friction ball joints that have a low breakaway torque.

   NOTE: Use the Torx®-holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the stabilizer bar link nut.

   Remove and discard the upper stabilizer bar link nut and position aside the stabilizer bar link.
   Torque: 129 lb.ft (175 Nm)

1. Remove and discard the lower arm mounting bracket pinch bolt.
   Torque: 59 lb.ft (80 Nm)

1. Spread the opening to loosen and remove the lower arm mounting bracket.
   

1. Separate the front shock absorber and air spring assembly from the lower arm mounting bracket.
   

1. Remove and discard the retainers and remove the front shock absorber and air spring assembly.
   Torque: 41 lb.ft (55 Nm)

1. Remove the front shock absorber and air spring assembly.
   

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   

1. Check and if necessary adjust front camber.
   Refer to: Front Camber Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).
   

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