How to Replace Front Strut Assembly 01-12 Ford Escape

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@Evilthx]

I just want to add that the large lower pair of strut bolts, the 18mm bolts, break easily. I just did mine and to replace these bolts you local parts store should have gold colored grade 8 bolts, split washers and nuts. The size that works perfectly is (7/16th - 14 by 3") Nuts (7/16th - 14) use the correct size washers. I used a jam nut on each bolt as well. Good Luck!!!

[@1AAuto]

@Kelvin Rivera We recommend getting an alignment after this repair. Thanks for watching

[@josecanusee680]

Just swapped out the front struts on the womans 2010 Merc Mariner (same thing) & was anticipating a bunch of broken bolts & difficulty with stuff coming off, but I had a cheap ass 1/2 inch impact & every bolt came off with no problem, even the nut on the stabilizer link w/o using the 5MM allen! Took 2 hrs from start to finish & was doing it in the townhouse parking lot. I impressed myself a little bit! Could do the whole thing in an hour now though! Video was very helpful though for preparing for the worst case scenario! At least I had every thing I needed & some extra but hey, gotter done!!!! Thanx!

[@1AAuto]

+Kip King Thanks for watching, glad we could help you with the repair! www.1aauto.com

[@1AAuto]

The vehicle's not usually lifted off of the ground so with the suspension loaded is typically how it sits. that way there you can make sure all of the bolts are securely tightened.

[@phillipmuro9765]

Thank you for showing me how that was so much easier than I had imagined. Great job and Thank you!

[@calvinkidwell8320]

Very helpful, i just finished doing mine. I have a 2001 Escape XLT (one of the first from this particular dealership). the only problem i encountered was on the stabilizer rod did not have an allen wrench hole, it had a 14mm nut between the bracket plate and rubber grease blub. you have to insert a14mm open end wrench between and a 15mm socket on the front to remove the arm. Once i figured this out it was no problem.

[@pat8593]

people like this make life so much easier . thank you.

[@1AAuto]

+pat Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@jonathanfink3509]

just want to say thank you I have watched many of your videos and you have assisted in me in learning a great deal about working on vehicles. I definitely want to figure out how to order parts from you ! Again thank you !

[@thomaswoodard8465]

good video----just replacing struts and brakes on my 08 tribute. 120,000 miles. great vehicle. 26 mpg constantly.

[@stevemccooleq]

Replace those stabilizer bar end links while you are at this if they have not been replaced recently. Those things cause lots of frt end noise.

[@glazier4766]

Worked great on my 2005 escape. Had a little trouble removing bolts but otherwise PERFECT. First wheel took 2 hours and second wheel took an hour. Not bad for doing it in my driveway. Thanks for excellent video

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for the feedback! +Glazier

[@zaneshovar6518]

Great instruction, follow them .it took me one hour to do both sides in my driveway and cost me 200 to do both sides .Cheers and thanks

[@1AAuto]

+Zane Shovar Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@mazerunner1054]

Yet another of your straightforward and helpful videos. Thank you.

[@efcee4603]

im still amazed on how clean his hands are at the end. thanks for the help!

[@1AAuto]

+ef cee Thanks for checking us out!

[@chrisd933]

So much easier then the other video where they removed the brakes axle nut and tie rod ends this is much easier!

[@1AAuto]

It could be a bad clockspring. If you have any functions on the steering wheel such as cruise control that may not work, it's also the sign of a bad clockspring.

[@1AAuto]

HI Eric, yes it would be a good idea to get an alignment once you replace the struts

[@bellaminer6768]

These are the greatest instructional videos on the internet.

[@kelvinyuan5533]

Be careful with the top mount, as it controls the camber and caster. Even the assembling line did not pay attention to it, as I found in my 2012 Ford Escape. They just installed the two sides with the marker facing the same direction, and in fact they must be symmetrical.

[@1AAuto]

If you go to the dealer they should be able to get the correct ones for you, or you can take a good one and match it up at the hardware store. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@kevinvansea]

Thank you sir. Useful torque specs that some people won't tell us.

[@k.r.3917]

Thanks for the video! Question: If I were to do this myself, would you recommend getting a wheel alignment afterwards?

[@Cattachmore22]

Nice work good clear instructions, thank you :)

[@juancarlosmartinez-sanchez6784]

Great video and good quality audio too. Please provide the exact dimensions of the two lower bolts and the M8 self-taping bolt.

[@1AAuto]

+Juan Carlos Martinez-Sanchez Thank you for checking us out, and the compliments. At this time we do not have the exact dimensions of these bolts. 1aauto.com

[@danelamond5542]

What is the bolt specifications that broke, on the lower end of the strut? I need to find replacements as well.

[@kurtperner4191]

Did you ever figure out what bolt that was?

[@stanmcdonald9222]

great instructional video!!!

[@doccowin8236]

A couple of questions, #1 shouldn’t the strut have been replaced while that knuckle was clearly recently replaced? And #2, what was accomplished by loosening the drive axle nut? I have done a lot of struts and never done that step, just wondering why, and FYI, when I do need to break loose an axle nut, isn’t it easier doing with the wheel still ion with it down on the ground, never needed a pry bar doing it that way, just wondering the logic

[@gibsonguitar11]

Hello 1aauto, What size bolts did you guys use when you replaced the "one's that you broke" on the lower part of the strut?

[@richm8480]

Thanks for leaving out matching the direction of the notch on top of struts. I love doing a repair twice ^*^%$^*&*& I should have watched FTM's video instead.

[@dearlydeceived]

Is there any reason why you put wait on the suspensions before torquing the nuts in the top of the strut? and thanks for a great video.

[@KjelCartier]

Great video! Thank you!

[@bigdogque]

Had the same problem with air bag light, look under both front seat and there are sensors that sometimes get pulled loose when you adjust the seat back and forth. Push both sensors in tight and restart car. The air bag light should go out. Ford needs to replace these weak clips because the get loose and make air bag light stay on. hope this helps....Ed

[@lancedenney2408]

My 2005 does not have an Allen wrench fitting on the tie rod that goes from the crossbar… in the middle of the strut. it has a lock nut on it that does not come off without spinning the whole bolt and ball joint assembly. Next… and are these the only two grease fittings in the whole truck… that Ford does not tell you to Grease?

[@blessedtv9506]

THANKS ALOT 1AAUTO u sure explain good and was really HELPFUL...

[@1AAuto]

+Manuel Valle No problem. Glad to hear it helped you out. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@georgeford6242]

one other question. if not replacing springs, is a spring compressor tool needed?

[@morrisrobinson4872]

very good job of teacher how to thank you

[@1AAuto]

+Morris Robinson Thanks for the feedback!

[@billyjobe9108]

if your strut was turned wrong on the top which way does the notch face front back or left or right side?

[@matthewvangundy7968]

You sir if I could send you some money bud your advice i totally would you came in great help today thank you

[@ROCKOBOT1]

Do i need an alinement after changing the struts??

[@1AAuto]

+ROCKOBOT1 It is always good idea to get an alignment done when replacement steering/suspension parts. www.1aauto.com/1A/shocks_struts/Ford/Escape/1ASSP00154?KZbin&CTA+Comment&WTnmXQxujMs

[@ROCKOBOT1]

1A Auto Parts thank you.

[@madfiddler93]

do we not need to torque the rod nut if using quick struts? the boxed directions say to consult the manual for that, but I can't find anything for it

[@1AAuto]

+madfiddler93 If you are speaking of the strut rod nut no, it should be pre-assembled and ready to go! Here is a link to a pair of them on our website: www.1aauto.com/1A/shocks_struts/Ford/Escape/1ASSP00154?KZbin&CTA+Comment&WTnmXQxujMs

[@Mark-qw1rg]

I just replaced the left front strut on my 2012 Ford Escape and I can't get the brake hose clip back on. I have tried pushing it by hand and pounding it with a hammer after putting a little oil on the mounting bracket. Any suggestions? Thanks Mark

[@josecanusee680]

The hose where it goes into the bracket has some slightly visible tit's that orient the hose . I had to turn mine slightly to get it into place. You can hardly see those little alignment tit's unless you are looking for them. But you have to align it to get the clip on.

[@tonyfalsetta2362]

wow thats so easy. good video

[@yochanantov5490]

Thank you! thank you!

[@db123201]

What grade of bolt is used for the bottom

[@ericcomtois1407]

i have the same problem do you need align the escape afther?

[@mechanics2804]

Anyone know where a guy would find a leveling kit for a '10 Escape?

[@booragat]

can i use the coil springs for the escape then put em on a mazda tribute?thanks

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for visiting us on KZbin. The struts shown in this video also fit the Mazda Tribute. You may want to check your particular year/make/model on our website 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@YoungGun821]

my 02 makes a small grinding noise whenever I hit a small bump going more than 15-20mph. that something with the wheels/struts?

[@1AAuto]

HI Jaime, You may want to inspect the front axles (if it's 4WD), it could also be a bad wheel bearing. You may want to look into those too. Here's a link to new wheel bearings on our website if you need new ones. Hope this helps you out. www.1aauto.com/1A/front-wheel-bearings-and-hubs/Ford/Escape/-/-/2002?VideoReply&KZbin&ATony

[@MichaelGulbin-g9u]

Great!

[@georgeford6242]

Is it necessary to replace the springs when replacing the struts?

[@1AAuto]

If they are broke, or sagging you may want to replace them.

[@georgeford6242]

thanks for the timely response!

[@1AAuto]

Hi George, You can buy our loaded quick struts that have the springs already loaded on them. You shouldn't need to compress them. www.1aauto.com/2001-ford-escape-shocks-and-struts/y-mo-c/2001-205-64?KZbin&VideoReply&ATony

[@dch8308]

No, but if you don't want to mess with a spring compressor you can get the Quick Struts. They are more expensive but its nice to keep it simple.

[@oz_medias]

Funny how that works, put a pipe on the end of a ratchet and it applies enough torque to break the bolt! Who'd a thunk it? Try heat next time, I've done dozens and dozens of these, never broken a bolt though. Surprising, most of your videos are very good.

[@1AAuto]

+Oz Media Thanks for watching. If any of our viewers needs to make this repair, we carry the auto repair part shown in this video on our website. Here is a link to them: www.1aauto.com/1A/shocks_struts/Ford/Escape/1ASSP00154?KZbin&CTA+Comment&WTnmXQxujMs

[@dp1569]

Don't judge, defective bolts are rare but I've had bolts shear just torque-ing to spec. Especially trying to break loose a gall'ed/ceased bolt, those suckers can pop easily. Didn't look like he was manhandling it.

[@bpittman]

What size are the 2 bolts/nuts that attach the bottom strut to the knuckle?

[@1AAuto]

They are 14mm. +Bryan Pittman

[@bpittman]

1A Auto Parts Went to home depot & purchased Bolt 12M-1.25X65M, seems to be fairly good fit. 1 of the 2 bolts was stripped. Hopefully my front end does not fall apart :)

[@unitedwestand5602]

They are actually 18mm lol

[@kurtperner4191]

Did your front end fall apart?

[@j-sgregoire50]

Quick work!

[@1AAuto]

+J-S Grégoire Thanks for watching. We're glad you liked it. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@Reubes86]

I love 1a

[@1AAuto]

+Reuben H Thanks for checking us out and your positive feedback! 1AAuto.com

[@roncoleman6693]

PB Blaster or K&W Knocker Loose works better than WD40.

[@billnotice9957]

Thanks for the video. I am debating about attacking this verses 550 bucks at the YE old repair shop!!!!!!

[@Dbruening]

I'm not sure if this has been asked but what size are the lower strut mount bolts?

[@josecanusee680]

18 MM socket, thread size not sure.

[@oz_medias]

If you had to work the end link nut 15-20 times ($50 labour or more), wouldn't it have been cheaper to charge your customer the $25 list for a new end link? It also assures you of no link knock afterward, if struts are dead, 99% chance end links are too. As for using a pipe on a ratchet for an instructional video, well you know that's just not right.

[@motorrad2]

Anti-seize on every thread!

[@Slicklickz]

$5000? So 100 gallons?

[@Leggeddude]

Uour not Andy no thanks did you fire Andy

[@dadingan]

good job men......