How to Replace Struts: 2009-2014 Ford F-150

Watch this video to learn how to replace struts on a 2009-2014 Ford F-150.

Replacing Struts on a 2009-2014 Ford F-150: What You Need

Ready to perform this DIY replacement job? Remember that all the parts in this guide can be found on CarParts.com. Check out all the products that fit your vehicle right here.

Parts Checklist

• Struts
• Penetrating oil
• Silicone grease

Tightening Torques

• Tie rod end holding nut: 85 Ft-lbs
• Upper control arm ball joint: 85 Ft-lbs
• Sway bar end links holding nuts: 59 Ft-lbs
• Strut lower nut: 406 Ft-lbs
• Strut 3 upper mount nuts: 35 Ft-lbs

Tools Checklist

Here’s the toolbox we recommend to repair your Ford F-150: HM85 85 Piece Ratchet and Socket Set

List of tools:

• Measuring tape
• Hydraulic jack
• Jack stands
• Wheel lug wrench
• Wire brush
• Breaker bar
• 27mm socket
• 30mm socket
• Ratchet
• Pin punch
• Hammer
• 15mm spanner
• 15mm socket
• Gimbal
• Extender
• 18mm spanner
• 8mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 21mm socket
• Ball joint puller
• Crowbar
• Drive torque wrench and another torque wrench for the strut lower nut and the lower control arm holding screws.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Turn off the engine, engage the parking brake, and open the bonnet by pulling the bonnet release handle.

Step 2: Measure the distance between the center of the wheel and the wheel arch before lifting the vehicle. This measurement is important for optimal tightening of silent block equipped elements.

Step 3: Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.

Step 4: Lift the front of your vehicle and securely place it on axle stands. Watch our “How to jack your Ford F-150 safely” video for guidance before proceeding.

Step 5: To gain access to the suspension system for strut replacement, remove the front wheels. Remember to place the wheels under the vehicle for safety.

Step 6: Locate your vehicle’s strut and the outer tie rod that needs removal for the strut replacement. For guidance, watch our video titled “How to replace the outer tie rod Ford F-150?“

Step 7: Apply penetrating oil and brush the strut foot screw to prepare for removal.

Step 8: Using a breaker bar and 30mm socket, along with a ratchet and 27mm socket, unscrew the strut foot nut. Remove the screw using a pin punch and a hammer if needed.

Step 9: Apply penetrating oil and brush the screws holding the strut mount bearing.

Step 10: Unscrew the first nut using a 15mm ratchet ring spanner. For the remaining two nuts, access them through the engine compartment using a ratchet, extension, gimbal, and a 15mm socket.

Step 11: Disengage the sway bar end link from the sway bar for more space. Refer to our video “How to replace the sway bar link Ford F-150?“

Step 12: Disengage the upper control arm ball joint from the wheel knuckle. Apply penetrating oil and brush the upper control arm ball joint retainer nut.

Tip: To avoid everything rotating when unscrewing, reinsert the outer tie rod into its knuckle without screwing it back in. Then release the ball joint with a breaker bar and a 21mm socket.

Step 13: Remove the outer tie rod.

Step 14: Unscrew the nut with a ratchet without removing it completely. Disengage the ball joint from the knuckle hitting it with a hammer.

Step 15: Support the lower control arm with a jack, then remove the ball joint nut. Lower the wheel knuckle to disconnect the ball joint.

Step 16: Use a crowbar to release the strut foot from the control arm and remove the old strut.

Step 17: Prepare the new strut by removing safety tape and unscrewing the 3 nuts holding the strut mount bearing.

Step 18: Insert the new strut from the top and loosely screw the 2 outer nuts back on so that there is enough slack for the next operations.

Step 19: Lower the wheel knuckle with a jack, insert the strut foot into the lower control arm using a crowbar, and secure it with the screw and nut.

Step 20: Reinstall the outer tie rod, tighten it with a torque wrench. Scrub the knuckle with a wire brush, then apply silicone grease to the flat part that will be in contact with the upper control arm ball joint sleeve. NOTE: Do not grease the inside of the cone.

Step 21: Reinsert and secure the ball joint, then complete the tightening of the upper suspension arm ball joint with a torque wrench.

Step 22: Put the sway bar end link back in place and secure it.

Step 23: Insert the third nut to secure the strut mount bearing, then tighten all three nuts using a ratchet.

Step 24: Tighten the front retaining bolts in the “vehicle is on the ground” position to avoid damaging silent blocks.

Step 25: Lift the wheel knuckle with the jack to the original measurement, and tighten the lower screw with a torque wrench.

Step 26: Tighten the three nuts with a torque wrench, then remove the jack.

Step 27: Put the wheels back on the vehicle. Remember to perform a wheel alignment afterward, as you’re working on the front axle.

Step 28: Lower the vehicle to the ground and securely fasten the wheels in place.

Compatible Vehicles

The operation and tools displayed in the video should be available on the following vehicles :

• 2009 Ford F150
• 2010 Ford F150
• 2011 Ford F150
• 2012 Ford F150
• 2013 Ford F150
• 2014 Ford F150

Important Reminders

During this operation, you will be intervening on the front axle of your car, so it is advisable to perform a wheel alignment afterwards.

The components to be removed are very often seized up, so don’t hesitate to brush and to use penetrating oil to make removal easier.

We advise never replacing just one strut, to make sure you drive we the most balanced vehicle possible.

Disclaimer:

This video is for entertainment purposes only. CarParts.com, Inc. disclaims all damages including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, and/or punitive, for any liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or arising from any information or lack thereof posted in this video. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All mechanical car projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. If you are in doubt, please consult a licensed mechanic in your area.