How to Replace Front Struts 06-10 Ford Explorer
Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Ford Explorer
Replace the front struts on a 2006-2010 Ford Explorer, including separating the tie rod and upper control arm.
Tools you will need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Ratchet
- 13mm socket
- 18mm socket
- 19mm socket
- 21mm socket
- 22mm socket
- 24mm socket
- Rust penetrant
- Hammer
- Pry bar
- Torque wrench
- 1/2 inch breaker bar
Parts and supplies
- Front strut assembly
Steps
- Remove the wheel
Loosen the five 19mm lug nuts, then raise and support the truck and slide the wheel off.
- Disconnect the strut and separate the suspension joints
Soak the strut in penetrant, unclip its upper plastic retainer and remove the three top 13mm nuts, remove the 24mm lower bolt and the control arm's flag nut, lower the control arm to free the strut, then separate the tie rod from the knuckle by removing its 21mm nut and striking the knuckle to break the stud loose.
- Install the new strut
Separate the upper control arm's ball joint from the knuckle the same way, fit the new strut and start its top nuts and lower bolt, tighten the three 13mm nuts, then raise the suspension to ride height before seating the upper control arm (torque its nut to about 41 ft-lb) and tie rod (torque its nut to about 52 ft-lb) back into the knuckle and finishing the strut's lower bolt.
- Reinstall the wheel
Torque the lug nuts to about 100 ft-lb in a crossing pattern.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.