How to Replace Shocks on an Expedition
by Jared Curtis
The shocks on your Ford Expedition should be replaced every 75,000 miles. The shocks are located at each corner. Worn shocks will create a bumpy ride and poor handling. The front tires only need to be removed to access the bolts on the front shocks, the rear shocks can be done with the tires in place. Replacement shocks can be purchased online or at an auto parts store. Installation can be done with simple hand tools and knowledge.
Front Shock Replacement
Step 1
Loosen the lug nuts on the front tire with a tire iron. Place a jack under the axle near the tire and lift the vehicle. Remove the lug nuts and pull the tire from the vehicle. Place the axle down onto a jack stand for safety.
Step 2
Remove the upper nut that holds the shock into position using a 18-mm socket connected to a ratchet. If the shock spins, place a 18-mm wrench on the nut just below the mounting bracket on the bottom side.
Step 3
Remove the lower bolt by placing a 15-mm socket onto the bolt head. Place a 18-mm wrench onto the backside of the bolt on the nut. Remove the nut and pull the shock from the vehicle.
Step 4
Place the new shock into position. Place the top shock mounting stud through the hole in the bracket. Install the shock bushing that came with the shock onto the mounting stud. Thread the nut onto the mounting stud and tighten the bolt with a ratchet and socket.
Step 5
Align the bottom hole of the shock with the bracket. Slide the bolt through the hole and thread the retaining nut onto the bolt. Tighten the bolt and nut with a ratchet, socket and wrench.
Step 6
Reinstall the tire onto the axle. Thread the lug nuts onto the wheel studs and tighten them. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Repeat these steps to the opposite side to replace the remaining front shock.
Rear Shock Replacement
Step 1
Remove the two mounting bolts using a ratchet and a 18-mm socket. Place a 18-mm wrench onto the nut and remove the bolts.
Step 2
Pull the shock from the mounting brackets.
Step 3
Place the new shock into position. Align the mounting holes and thread the bolts into the brackets. Attach the retaining nut and tighten them.
Step 4
Repeat theses steps to the opposite side of the vehicle to replace the remaining rear shock.
References
Things You'll Need
- Tire iron
- Hydraulic jack
- Jack stand
- Ratchet
- Socket set
- Wrench set
Warnings
- Use caution when working under the vehicle. Safety glasses should be worn at all times.
Writer Bio
Living in Utah, Jared Curtis graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree from Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Curtis is continuing his education in hard sciences to apply to medical school in the future. He began writing professionally in 2010, specializing in cabinet-related articles.
