how to tell if my Ford F-150 12th Generation (2009-2014) struts are worn out?

Ford F-150 12th Generation (2009-2014)

Error Codes

3-5 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

537 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and replace worn struts on your Ford F-150 12th Generation (2009-2014). Step-by-step guide with symptoms and diagnostic procedures.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

3-5 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Ensure the vehicle is securely elevated before working underneath.
•Always disconnect the battery when working on electrical components.

Symptoms

•Excessive bouncing or swaying of the vehicle after hitting bumps
•Uneven tire wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges
•Difficulty steering or a feeling of instability while driving
•Noise such as clunking or rattling when driving over bumps
•A noticeable decrease in ride comfort
•Vehicle leaning during turns or cornering

Diagnostic Steps

1
Visually inspect the struts for any signs of leakage or damage.
2
Perform a bounce test by pushing down on the front or rear of the vehicle; observe how many times it bounces before settling.
3
Check for uneven tire wear patterns or alignment issues.
4
Inspect the strut mounts for cracks or wear.
5
Test drive the vehicle on rough roads to listen for abnormal noises.
6
Use a strut compression tool to check for resistance and damping if necessary.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•Jack and jack stands
•Socket set
•Wrench set
•Torque wrench
•Strut compression tool

Parts Required

•Replacement struts (front and/or rear)
•Strut mounts (if needed)
•Brake line clips (if damaged)

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Symptoms

•Excessive bouncing or swaying of the vehicle after hitting bumps

•Uneven tire wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges

•Difficulty steering or a feeling of instability while driving

•Noise such as clunking or rattling when driving over bumps

•A noticeable decrease in ride comfort

•Vehicle leaning during turns or cornering

Diagnostic Steps

1
Visually inspect the struts for any signs of leakage or damage.
2
Perform a bounce test by pushing down on the front or rear of the vehicle; observe how many times it bounces before settling.
3
Check for uneven tire wear patterns or alignment issues.
4
Inspect the strut mounts for cracks or wear.
5
Test drive the vehicle on rough roads to listen for abnormal noises.
6
Use a strut compression tool to check for resistance and damping if necessary.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather the necessary tools and components.
Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the parking brake is engaged.
Wear safety gloves and goggles.

2. Lift the Vehicle

Use a jack to lift the front or rear of the vehicle as needed.
Secure it with jack stands to ensure safety during the repair.

3. Remove the Struts

Front Struts:
- Remove the front wheel using a socket set.
- Detach the brake line and any sensors attached to the strut.
- Remove the strut-to-knuckle bolts using a wrench.
- Unbolt the top strut nuts under the hood and carefully remove the strut assembly.
Rear Struts:
- Remove the rear wheel.
- Detach any brake lines or sensors attached to the strut.
- Unbolt the strut from the lower control arm and the body of the vehicle.

4. Inspect and Replace

Compare the removed struts with new ones to ensure proper fit.
Install new struts by reversing the removal process, ensuring all bolts are tightened to manufacturer specifications (typically around 30-50 ft-lbs for strut-to-knuckle bolts).
Reattach any brake lines or sensors that were removed.

5. Reassemble and Lower Vehicle

Reinstall the wheels and lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
Tighten lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications (usually 100-150 ft-lbs).