how to replace worn out shocks on my Ford F-150

Ford F-150 13th Generation (2015-2020)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

519 words

Problem Statement

Step-by-step guide to replacing worn out shocks on your Ford F-150. Improve ride quality and handling with our detailed instructions.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Always ensure the vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working underneath it.
•Disconnect the battery if working near electrical components.

Symptoms

•Excessive bouncing after hitting bumps
•Nose-diving during braking
•Uneven tire wear
•Poor handling and stability
•Vehicle sway during cornering

Diagnostic Steps

1
Visually inspect the shocks for signs of oil leakage.
2
Check for any physical damage or dents on the shock body.
3
Perform a bounce test by pushing down on each corner of the vehicle to assess the rebound.
4
Inspect mounting hardware for corrosion or looseness.
5
Verify ride height to determine if the vehicle is sagging.

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

•Floor jack
•Jack stands
•Lug wrench
•Socket set
•Torque wrench

Parts Required

•New shock absorbers (front and/or rear)
•New mounting hardware (if required)

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Visually inspect the shocks for signs of oil leakage.
2
Check for any physical damage or dents on the shock body.
3
Perform a bounce test by pushing down on each corner of the vehicle to assess the rebound.
4
Inspect mounting hardware for corrosion or looseness.
5
Verify ride height to determine if the vehicle is sagging.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather all necessary tools and parts.
Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels for safety.

2. Lift the Vehicle

Tools Required: Floor jack, jack stands
Use the floor jack to lift the front or rear (depending on which shocks are being replaced) of the vehicle.
Secure the vehicle with jack stands to ensure stability.

3. Remove the Wheel (if necessary)

Tools Required: Lug wrench
Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel to access the shock assembly. This step is often necessary for front shocks.

4. Remove the Old Shock Absorber

Tools Required: Socket set, wrench
Locate the upper and lower mounting bolts of the shock.
Remove the lower bolt first, followed by the upper bolt.
Carefully slide the old shock out of the mountings.

5. Install the New Shock Absorber

Tools Required: Torque wrench
Position the new shock absorber in the mounting brackets.
Secure the upper mount first, then the lower mount.
Torque the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications (usually around 30-50 ft-lbs, but verify for your specific model).

6. Reinstall the Wheel (if removed)

Place the wheel back on the hub.
Hand-tighten the lug nuts, then lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
Finalize tightening the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure.

7. Repeat for Other Shocks

If replacing all shocks, repeat steps 2-6 for the remaining shocks.