replacing rear struts?

[black93sho]

I am replacing my rear struts and I can't figure out where to get the top bolt out? Do I need to get it out from the trunk or where?

 

[projectSHO89]

Remove the rear package deck and the shoulder harness mount for the rear seat belts. Then it's an easy shot. You will need a couple of large Torx bits.

Alternatively, you can always try a ratcheting box wrench and get the three nuts off from inside the trunck, but I can almost guarantee you won't get it back together again that way without loosing a few nuts and some knuckle skin.

Drop the whole assembly out, then swap out the strut following ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

Steve

 

[luigisho]

I'm not sure what exactly the problem is. When I remove the rear struts, I loosen the large nut that holds the strut to the strut mount, remove the 3 nuts from the strut mounts located in the rear strut towers in the trunk, and take them both out. You may have to remove the backseat/rear package tray to access them without busting your knuckles, unless you have a ratcheting box end wrench. When the assembly is out you will have to remove the large nut at the top of the strut from the mount. You could just remove the large strut nut and leave the mount in place but for some reason I think the first way is easier. Hard to remember as it's been a while, but you can get a good look at the mount and bearing condition while everything is out. I hope this is helpful.

 

[black93sho]

Thanks for all your help. How do I get that rear tray out?

 

[luigisho]

The rear seat has to come out. Check out a regular taurus manual if you get too intimidated. The bottom has 2 or 3 points where you push in and pull up along the bottom edge. The seat back has one large torx bolt along the floorpan on each side and has the same (iirc) push in and pull up type hooks along the upper part. I forget the setup exactly but under the seatbelt attachment on the rear deck is a single (torx?) bolt also. You might have to remove the plastic interior molding back there and a few plastic fasteners that attach the decktray fabric to the body behind the back of the seat. Hard to describe but it should be outlined in any of the Taurus manuals. It is also almost self-evident when you start taking stuff out of there. It sounds more difficult than it is, but it will add some time to the project. Just be patient so you don't break anything that's not very sturdy back there.