14 SHO Rear Shocls

[2011TAURUSSEL]

During my last alignment in September along with state safety inspection NTB tech noticed leaking on rear strut. He showed the area and I held of repair figuring I could either do myself or still have done cheaper.

Fast forward to now moved to house getting settled and finally getting around to project. Shocks ordered as set SENSEN which is one of the OEM vendors for my 2008 Volvo XC90. Based on previous good luck my preference was Bilstein bit couldn't find for Taurus. SENSEN shocks are on property awaiting change most likely tomorrow.

My question is.....Are they that simple to remove and replace? From what I can see two bolts one upper and one lower. If they are as easy as my 03 Durango I didn't even have to remove tires for that one.

I changed shocks and struts on the Volvo and although the shocks went through the strut it wasn't that simple. Should have been but driver side lower housing did not want to part with old shock. Took a while and a few words that would make even the saltiest sailor blush but I got it.

I am at almost 32K and I know a bit early but leaking is leaking. My guess is the OEM Motorcraft junk shocks is exactly that.

Has anyone had occasion to R/R the rear shocks on 2014 models? Specifically 2014 but any 2010-17 SHO models my guess is other than the brake upgrade for 2013 the rear suspension at least shocks should be the same.

 

[SHOdded]

Pretty straightforward except for that stabilizer link holding feature ...

Shock Absorber


Item Part Number Description
1 18125 Shock absorber
2 18197 Shock absorber upper insulator and mount nut
3 W714366 Shock absorber lower bolt
4 W520213 Stabilizer bar link upper nut
Removal and Installation

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature on the stock rod nut to prevent the shock rod from rotating when removing or installing the shock rod nut.

1. Pull back the luggage compartment side trim panel to gain access to the shock absorber upper nut.

1. NOTICE: Do not use power tools. Tighten using hand tools only. Failure to do so will result in shock absorber damage and/or Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) concerns.
   
   Remove and discard the shock absorber upper mount nut.
   • To install, tighten the new nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).

1. Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Section 204-04 .

1. NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stabilizer bar link stud from turning while removing or installing the nut.
   
   Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link upper nut and disconnect the link from the wheel knuckle.
   • To install, tighten the new nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).

1. Remove and discard the shock absorber lower bolt and remove the shock absorber.
   • To install, tighten the new bolt to 175 Nm (129 lb-ft).

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

 

[2011TAURUSSEL]

Apparently the secret is to remove the upper bolt first but go in from the trunk side and peel back the carpet trim. Apparently there is more room to work a wrench.

Also Check aftermarket Shocks. The OEM Shocks have the retaining nut WELDED to the lower fork. Not a deal killer but you may wind up having to find a nut that fits....remember X2. I won't speak for all aftermarket shocks but the SENSEN ones I replaced my OEM with this was the case. I got stuck on the upper bolt and found the mechanic that did my Volvo alignment installed both rear shocks on the Taurus for $93 including tax. Took just a tad over an hour but the non welded nuts and having to find replacement retaining nuts probably took about 15-20 minutes of that. Fit and function is fine just not the welded retaining nuts.