Removal Techniques for the Rear Shocks on a 2002 Mercury Sable

Iskandar Blogger 10:13 AM

The 2002 Mercury Sable was available with a 3.0 OHV V-6 with sequential fuel injection, a 3.0 OHV flex fuel or a 3.0 SFI with double overhead cams. The Mercury Sable uses struts (shock and spring combination) in the front and shocks in the rear. Replacing the rear shocks is not a complicated procedure and can be accomplished with minimal tools. There are several grades of shocks available with different valving, ranging from stiff for handling to soft for ride enhancement.

Instructions

    1

    Raise the rear of the car using the floor jack. Place the jack stands under both sides of the car just forward of the rear tire and lower the car so it rests on the stands. Open the trunk and remove the top plastic cover over the shocks. The indentation can be seen on either side where the shocks enter the trunk.

    2

    Place the vise grips on the top of the shock mounting stud to prevent it from turning while you're removing the top retaining nut. Using a wrench, remove the top shock-retaining nut by rotating it counterclockwise. Lift the washer and rubber bushing off the shock stud. Repeat this process for the opposite side.

    3

    Place the floor jack under either lower control arm and lift the arm 2 inches. Remove the retaining bolt that secures the bottom of the shock to the lower control arm using a socket and ratchet. Pull the bolt out and remove the shock.

    4

    Open the paper bag of washers and bushings that comes with the new shock. Install a washer on the top shock stud with the concave side up. Next install a rubber bushing. Insert the shock up through the opening in the shock tower and push the shock stud through the hole in the top shock mount.

    5

    Compress the shock by pushing up with a little force until the base of the shock fits on the lower control arm. Align the holes and install the bolt, then tighten it with a socket. Install a bushing followed by a washer on the top shock stud.

    6

    Install the retaining nut and spin it clockwise by hand as far as it will go. Place the vise grips on the top of the stud to keep it from turning. Tighten the nut by turning it clockwise with a wrench. Repeat this process on the opposite side.

    7

    Reinstall the top plastic shock tower covers. Raise the car with the floor jack and remove the jack stands to lower the car.