2001-2012 Ford Escape: Rear Shock Replacement Procedure

[@TroutFink]

I just bought a 2008 escape hybrid w/ 60k miles. I started looking into DIY repair videos and you sir are the Mecca for Escape repair. Your videos are clear, concise, and put together very well. Everything from key programming to gasket replacements. You are very good at what you do and I just wanted to thank you for the knowledge. Keep it up!

[@jimmcleod8764]

Thanks for this vid, VIP estimated $400.00 to change these out for an inspection sticker . I bought the shocks on Amazon for about $45.00 each and did it myself in about 45-mins Plus I know the nuts are torqued correct and have thread sealant on them. . I would not have attempted this if I didn't have access to this video , thanks again - saved me $300+ bucks and I get bragging rights for doing it myself !

[@dantheman4751]

This is so much more efficient than the 1a Auto version. Thank you.

[@slant6guy]

Good video! Helps me replace the rear shocks on the 2002 Mazda Tribute LX-v6 model that I got from a coworker for $950.00 (they needed the driveway space & it just sat there) 'twas a good deal that couldn't not pass up! Obviously, the vehicle needed A LOT of work, but not even $1000 later, have a great daily-driver. You, _FordTechMakuloco,_ are THE source for great Escape/Tribute/Mariner maintenance info here on KZbin! Thanks for being here!

[@thepirate5955]

Outstanding! Thank you - I drove 335 miles one way to get a used car in Waterloo, Iowa. 2012 Escape XLT with 3 liter V6, 4WD, sun roof, tow hitch, 55,762 one owner original miles, no rust, roof rack for $9000 and now I'm just itching to work on it. Good job and keep up the good work, I know I appreciate it.

[@Raisinville]

The trim panel removal tutorial is spot on. Follow it to the letter and everything will go smoothly.

[@johnnymcnally2113]

Thanks again so much for all these in-depth, detailed videos you make. You always make these points: 1) What the problem is. 2) Why it’s a problem. 3) How you’re going to fix it. 4) Show/explian the parts you’re using to fix it. 5) Perform the actual fix. 6) Show part numbers and tools used. Again, great job, thanks so much!

[@davidallred6904]

I just want to take a moment and say "Thank You!". I recently purchased a 2010 Escape. Using your videos, i was able to easily replace the rear struts, rear glass hinges and lift arms, and will soon be doing the valve cover gasket. Thank you so much for doing these videos. You are awesome!

[@ryanwk12]

when would you recommend changing struts/shocks on an 08' with 150K Been following your videos for two years now. I drive an 08 escape. The amount of time and money you have saved me is A LOT. This channel is hands down one of the best automotive self-help channels out there. 10/10

[@puffnstuff12]

I just swapped out the rears on my 05 with 159k as they were leaking using Gabrielle 69900 Ultra's.

[@dwiller11]

Outstanding video, thank you. So glad I can wake up, watch a thorough video and know exactly what I’m getting into before heading out to the shop for the day. 170k on my 09 and same situation, not broken or leaking but replacing with motorcraft to keep things tight. Thanks again.

[@SeanUpdike-d3u]

Replaced my own 2012 Escape XLT rear shocks with this video. Easy and straight forward!

[@Astrand1]

Just changed my rear shocks thanks to your video. I don’t think it took 20 min for both! Also did the rear hatch actuator as well. Thank you for putting these types of videos up for us. 👍

[@Barchenhund]

More 2012 Escape 2.5 L4 non- hybrid videos please!!!😊 Love to see your professional technician vids. Diesel truck mechanic oops now a days technician for 45 years. For some reason people think if you’re a “mechanic” you can repair anything from a lawnmower to a Boeing 747. Your Ford knowledge and shortcuts are appreciated. Learning and doing a one time task on KZbin is a lot different then someone as yourself that does it for a living. Thanks.

[@jjparrish]

You have made an outwardly daunting task very easy. Thank you!

[@donnareed3822]

I love your videos. They are so easy to follow even a grandmother can work on her vehicle

[@azconservative8235]

Just knocked this out in under an hour! Thanks for the thorough video and for all the content you upload. Cheers!

[@JES2691]

A trick I learned at the factory that I worked at building these Escapes is if the plastic pieces turn white ( stress marks ) on top where the clips are, take a heat gun, blow dryer on high or a cigarette lighter and heat the area till the spot goes away. Just don't over do with too much heat or it could melt or make the plastic look too shiny.

[@seeya205]

Great video! I always give the top a wiggle just to make sure the bushing is seated properly before tightening down the top nut. I don't know if it actually does anything but it makes me feel better. LOL!

[@heatherhhh2008]

Thank you! Just changed my rear shocks in my 07 Ford Escape!! Girls can do it, with a little help😉

[@jacobfleming5894]

And 16 guys who are also on here for the same reason Girl! 😂👍🏼

[@MizzQueenBreNaturally]

i need to do mine, thanks girl😭💛💛

[@tee_TMP]

yet to have mine done.

[@drzay706]

Thanks so much for this clear and easy to follow video. I thought this would be a lot more complicated. You just saved me a ton of money, THANKS!

[@noneofyourbusiness3111]

Thanks for all the videos. We have 3 escapes currently in the family, so yes, you have helped!

[@owModern]

Great tutorial, thank you. the explanations are excellent. Other guides would have had me taking off the tires and jacking up the car which is unnecessary

[@leedress2187]

I decided to take a look at mine today and sure enough the drivers side one is leaking. 52500 miles. Passenger side is dry. just unbelievable that it's bad already. I ordered the KYB units from rock auto. Hope they last longer than these did. Thanks for posting the easy way to replace them..

[@YLZN0013]

You did a great job demonstrating the proper way to do it. You have been very exact and helpful. Thank you

[@tony21cancio]

Amazing instruction on changing these ....dude you're awesome

[@kelvinyuan5533]

Thanks to this important video! My 2012 Ford escape had been making noise randomly, either from the front or from the rear. I replaced the sway bar links, which isolated the noise to the rear, and the frequency also reduced. It only occurred when I make sharp turns. There might be something wrong with the rear suspension. Encouraged by this and another video, I checked the rear suspension and replaced the rear sway bar links, and then going to do the shocks. What I found was really amazing: there were two stones ( 2-3 cm size) hidden behind the side cover, one at each side. They had been rolling around on the black plastic frame cover, making annoying noise. The OE rear shocks were actually working well, they have the same response compared to the new ones I just bought (KYB). I will keep the new shock for later replacement when the OE shock really worn out. I can not understand why there were two stones! It seems that they were planted by someone. I do hope they were not planted by the dealer from which I bought this vehicle.

[@msamour]

Hi, the right rear shock tower rot away on these vehicles. I just had to have mine replaced.

[@angipp01]

Thanks for this video. My 2007 rusted out and the top was no longer connected to my car. This video helped. Thanks for pointing out the difference end rubber bushings.

[@vernonfindlay1314]

Just bought 2009 escape, i live in Nova Scotia, Atlantic rust belt. Front struts and rear shocks, bought all new hardware, stripped and took all apart.Tin ants been busy, had rust spots to clean up. Thanks for your videos, great channel. Ps i am a Ford employe,discount helps Blessings

[@KC-vp7wn]

Great video, nice and clear and step by step. I'll be putting rear shocks on my 02 Escape this weekend. Thanks again!

[@Zeezu70]

Thanks FordTech, your how-to video was super helpful when changing my 2005 Escape's shocks! Much appreciated!

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Can you really change them without lifting the vehicle?

[@johncooper8672]

DId this today on my 2010 Ford Escape. Saved me $$$. Thanks!

[@seeya205]

You are right! The short bursts is what is needed on the top bolt. I tried to do the second one with full throttle and the whole thing just spun. Short bursts and it came right off ! It only took 45 minutes to get both sides done.

[@nowelloverby1139]

Thanks for the vid. I saved a lot of money doing it myself. Top bolts were stupid of course.

[@jonathanniccolls1592]

Great video. You showed the bushing position, which is VERY important! Just got some new Monroes for my 2003 Focus ZX3, so now I can do it and save a good $150! That's going for the price for the front shocks! Thank you for saving me the $$$!!!

[@Kewrock]

Hey Mak. At 10:20 installing the bottom half of the motorcraft oem shock the sides are not the same. One side is flush, the other side is slightly recessed(maybe 1/8 inch). Which side gets the spindle? which side gets the big washer and nut? I did not look when I removed the old ones. (Rule 1: always pay attention) *And to anyone considering using Monroes. They use metal shaft covers instead of plastic. The covers will slap the shock body and make metal clunking noises over bumps. Ford uses plastic and more clearance. USE FORD MOTORCRAFT SHOCKS.

[@ImpetigoWoW]

I'm sure you figured it out by now, but for anyone else stuck with the same question, just refer to kzbin.info/www/bejne/maKohad6edqDrqMm48s when he disassembles it.

[@aktrapper6126]

Thank you for making these, very helpful and professionally done.

[@Liquormans]

Thank You, you have saved me so much and motivated me to do so much on my own. Also good informative information on your other videos . Thank You.

[@Thatsmessedupman]

Good video. I wished you showed the other side with the wrench. On assembly you show the top nut going on TIGHT before it clears I can see the shaft spinning. How can you get past the flat spot to grip if you do not have an impact wrench? Thanks

[@jonathanlackman7198]

Great video and liked the shortcuts, no reason to even take the wheels off. Slick.

[@geralddixson6023]

I have a 2008 Escape w/ 90 k miles when should I change shocks and front strut kits?

[@english0101]

I didn't realize that the wheel had to be a ride height; thanks for great tip of doing the job correctly!

[@jaschalindesmith9525]

love all your videos. my go to when having ford issues

[@danielkarlsson608]

You do good work, but a small Point to add is that when LocTite is applied you should Always tighten it fully immediately. LocTite is "anaerobic" meaning it will start to harden as soon as air is not present. Of you let it sit a few minutes, THEN tighten it fully it will break the bond. The goo is of course still in between the threads and will probably stop it from backing out, just not in the intended way. Keep up the good work! /Daniel

[@FordTechMakuloco]

That blue loctite takes quite awhile to harden unlike the red going from the bottom to the top then final tightening down below it is definitely still fluid the blue stuff anyway

[@ปราณีโอฬารนภาลัย-ส8ล]

Daniel Karlss วีธีถอดท่อน่้ำรถฟอร์ดเอสเครป

[@rob102865]

Dude, thank you so much for this vid It made my job a lot easier, fix'n my friend's 2012 Escape rear suspension Stay safe & God bless!

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Can you really change them without lifting the vehicle? You just bounce it a few times to lodge that bottom mount correctly?

[@chucknoob7041]

The lower bolts on my 2005 were rusted and the lock tab broke when I tried to remove it. Used an angle grinder to grind the funky bolt head square and used an crescent wrench to hold it, worked...

[@gravymakr]

I have the same problem. what did you replace it with? did you use the originals or did you find something new to replace it?

[@chucknoob7041]

@@gravymakr - Just replaced with the originals. Good luck!

[@sergiogobniskeb3718]

Thank you very much for a very clear video super well done. every single detail is very appreciated. I am your fan,

[@troubledseed]

15:18 The start of Queen - We Will Rock You

[@djturkeybmore]

Thanks for this excellent video. I have one question- How important is it to get the foot pounds accurate? I don't have a large torque wrench and just tightened underneath the best I could. **Hybrid owners: I noticed with my 07 hybrid the panels were a little more tough to tilt out of the way due to their shape at the bottom and the battery, as the battery actually comes up a few inches. The top nut was a bit different too, it was actually 2 nuts which held down a separate metal curved bushing. The Monroe replacements each came with 2 rubber & metal bushings but only 1 nut, which was a slightly different size but same thread, so I ended up screwing the original second nut on just as I found it. Mine had rusted to where the top actually snapped and was under the vehicle, made a horrible sound, so I was able to fix it right away. **Tough job without an impact tool!!** Thanks again Mak, you saved me 150- 200 bucks labor, I'll donate some of that your way! DIY rules, much appreciated.

[@wallybjr8926]

Hi Great Advice and helpful DIY tips. Far Out... Wonder if you have advice on replacing the PCV valve on a 2009 ford escape Hybrid 2.5 ? The removing fan assembly, lower cowelings, etc. to reach the lower intake is a monster...any advice or just go for it. ? Thanks

[@charlesbourassa2191]

Great video! I was wondering if and when do I need to change the rear spring. I drive a 03 escape. I'm planning on changing the front strut and rear shocks but I don't know if I should change the rear spring too??

[@mikecont9742]

Like the step by step. Great video. Thanks for taking the time.

[@jimorlando2002]

Fantastic video. you didn't even get your hands dirty!

[@f.w.1318]

Hello FTM, I have a vibration that’s coming off the rear, when I hit 50mph change my tires, and now shocks from following the video, the vibration is still there, however I did notice a bushing right above the rear diff that runs to a metal flank not to sure what it does, kinda running out of mine is an 03 awd, thanks for the video on this .

[@rauljr9869]

Great work in depth detail, thanks for sharing!

[@puffnstuff12]

I just performed this on my 05 Escape and the instructions are on the money. I ran into a problem with the right side top nut not wanting to come loose so I drilled out the grommet to get some space underneath it and cut the shaft off.

[@TBuidroneshot]

Just did mine today. Thank you so much!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@frankshimkets5000]

Great Video‼️ Will help with my '05 Escape shocks‼️👍👍

[@martinp.cadillackid3408]

Thanks you just save me $130 I did this at my job parking lot and the time security came I was done

[@juliososa1406]

Gracias muy buena su explicacion " muchas gracias

[@psychkosys]

Excellent resource! Thank you for posting!

[@christianmorrissey7839]

Hi, great video thanks for showing us the tips. I am changing my rear and front struts and springs on my 05 mazda tribute, I know how to do the front springs but i can't seem to find a video on rear springs. I have a set of spring compressors ready to go I would really appreciate a few words on how to do it if you know anything. Thanks.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

+christian morrissey The rears are done the same as any other setup where you support the lower arm with a jack and unbolt the lower arm then slowly and carefully lower the jack with spring. Of course the vehicle is supported otherwise before doing all that.

[@thesavo]

When should you replace the Rear Springs? Do you have to undo the Brake hardline?

[@jamesr.williams2657]

At 7:55, he said DOUBLE DOODIE!!!!!. Just having fun! Nice video, thanks for sharing. Fixin to do this later today.

[@DanielGennaro]

This is incredible. I don’t need a lift!? This is such good news cause I got ripped off at a dealer- bought a Escape that had the halfshaft leak and needed these shocks replaced too. Already paid the 800 for the half shaft so I’ll be doing this myself to save money. Thank you. What can you use as an alternative to clean parts? Do you use brake cleaner? Can you use wd 40?

[@gibson7654]

Ok. I have a 08 escape and would urge everyone who wants to follow these directions to check the thread on both, the old and new shocks before installing the new ones. I got kyb shocks and these have 1.25 thread. Guess what, the stock shocks have 1.50 thread and after following these directions I have stripped the thread on the new shocks because I tried to reuse the factory nut on top. Big no-no. Thankfully I have a tap & dye set that saved me. I would also advise not to use impact gun for the top nut or you're risking damaging the new part. Otherwise a good video.

[@450rmxr55]

I wonder if you could rust proof or spray oil on inside rear fender were they all seem to rust out

[@ashleyhensley3839]

Im going to try tomorrow...thank you so very very much...God bless you.

[@troubledseed]

My hole for my Escape was reversed. The smaller insert on the bushing fit perfectly through the hole. mine is a 2006. Did I do that right?

[@bradslawson6613]

Very direct and hands on approach. Thank you so much.

[@ponyxpress001]

I'm Sure Having ReRepaired Other Tech's Blunders That I Don't Need To Tell You, Some Tech's Really Should've Made Different Life Choices LMFAO But You Insert Common Sense Into Your Repairs & That's Always A Good Thing When Repairing Vehicles !!!

[@timweber162]

Really appreciate your videos! Thank you.

[@cgolf4]

Hi, Great Video. I am attempting to replace my rear struts on an 03 Tribute. I am using an impact wrench to try to loosen the bottom nut. It just bent (and sent flying) a clip that sits on the other side of that bottom bolt. Now, the whole bolt just spins even with the impact. It's a oil leaking / rusty mess down there, so I'm assuming that's the problem. Any suggestions on how to remove that nut without damaging the bolt or anything else? I also used my breaker bar and having same issue with whole bolt spinning. Thanks for any help...the sooner the better as my car is half ripped apart! :)

[@williamhardy890]

Same problem for me. The clip sheared and the bolt just spins. The nut on this video came off way easier than in real life. Hope you got yours off by now

[@mirage711]

Thank you so much going to do my daughters this week....

[@RobertFredman-ld6kc]

Thanks for sharing your experience

[@jasonwulff8341]

Thanks for the quality video bud.

[@justincase3091]

Hey man, I really appreciate your videos. very helpful. Do you have anything on how to replace rear stab link on 08-12 escapes? I cant seem to find anything.

[@thelonelywolf88]

Nice to know. I have a 2008 and I had cupping on the old rear tires. I guess the suspension needs some freshening up

[@124marsh]

Thanks for your videos. I have a question about how do you lower the spare tire on a 2012 Escape XLT 2.5 4 cyl.

[@djwaxstyles1]

HI. I have a 2005 ford escape. I attempted to take off the rear shock but the 2nd nut(the one closest to the washer) wont come loose. I tried using the holding feature but it just rounded out. I used penetrating oil and a hammer. Still no luck. Any suggestions on how to get the locking bolt off. I don't have and air tools.

[@budm1210]

same year, same problem here

[@mgarcia8540]

You said to torque the nut at the top of the shock to 30 ft-lbs, but I never saw you use a torque wrench on it, just the the impact wrench with interrupted bursts. How do I know when to stop impacting wrenching on that top shock nut???

[@kalryndarkpaw70]

i just bought rear shocks for my 09 ford escape xlt and if i saw this correctly i dont have to jack the car up to change them?

[@dunebasher1971]

It depends on whether you can remove the lower shock bolt with the wheel in place. On my 2002 Escape you can't - the head of the bolt faces the wheel, so the wheel has to come off to allow the bolt to come out.

[@rfoster60]

I appreciate your channel very much. I'm replacing the front lower control arm on a 2002 Escape XLT and am looking for the front bolt. I believe it is a 12 x 1.25 mm but I do not have a p/n. Do you know what the p/n is for that bolt and where I can purchase?

[@josephserrao7340]

Thanks man! Once again you saved me $$! Love your vids!!!

[@detjuggalo]

Do I need a rear alignment after this? Gonna do it this weekend. Just did every thing on the front end suspension last weekend. Its just been sitting in the driveway til I could do this. Should I get the all around alignment? Your vids helped me out a lot saved me a lot of money. I'm totally gonna donate when I get some extra cash.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

The rear shock replacement itself does not require an alignment by itself but the work you did on the front most likely did so get a 4 wheel alignment when all done.

[@detjuggalo]

Good stuff thanks again.

[@saulbroa7551]

Everything is great but I have a question. Why you cling to standard measures when service manuals tell you those are metric bolts?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Its just the sockets I have that are my goto impact sockets.

[@luissegovia4757]

Hi Bryan, and thanks. great video. I got a pair of KYB 349101. For the top part of the shock, are you saying you recommend that I use the original nut/washer from ford instead of the set up provided with the new shocks? Just making sure🤷🏻‍♂️

[@gibson7654]

read my comment.

[@jma8352]

do you need a spring compressor to install 30mm upper bushings? or can you just losten everything and jack up the otherside to get clearence?

[@Deeceesadventures]

I don’t think you ever did rear coil springs on this vehicle? Should I drop the arm or use compression tools.

[@unitedwestand5602]

I read that the 2001-2006 Escape top nuts are suppose to be torqued to only 13 ft/lbs and the lower nut to 85 ft/lbs is that correct Brian? Thank you

[@unitedwestand5602]

I just changed out the rear shocks and I had the double nuts on top and the motorcraft shocks came with a one way bushing that was tapered with little “foot pegs” that looked like they were suppose to pop through the body but were too big to fit through. I just filed the hole to allow the top of the bushing to barely seat into the hole without coming through the body. Had I installed them as is the bottom bushing wouldn’t allow it to center through the hole because it was too big and could have caused the bolt to rub. Yet if I filed the hole big enough to allow the tapered bushing to pop through allowing the feet to lock it centered it would interfere with the top bushing. Not sure why the bushing design has changed. Ordered them through Rockauto Motorcraft AST311 for my 2006 Ford Escape 3.0 fwd

[@heidi9089]

My 2006 escape has one wheel well rusted out and the other is in tact for now. Love my truck. The rusted out side the shock came off last year now the other side broke off (after two trips from Mn to Cali and back). Well to my question, can I replace the one side and have it last? I know the rusted out side would be very expensive to fix. Right now I am doing limited bouncing driving.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

It is an independent suspension so yes. The spring is holding all the weight.

[@j-sgregoire50]

Great tutorial man. It was quite helpful as I just replaced both rear shocks on my 06 Tribute - I also have a badly rusted wheel well, but the shock looks like it'll hold...for some time. How could I fix that wheel well? See a welder so he can install a reinforcement metal plate of some kind?? Cheers!

[@ag358]

@@FordTechMakuloco I just investigated a noise in the rear wheel and found rusted well . Can I take shock off without danger of wheel bounce. Rear driver side ok for now

[@AngelFlores-hi1zp]

Is the escape hybrid same procedure for accessing top nuts on shocks?

[@cannarris]

What happens if I remove tire and use the a jack? Will removing the shock cause the brake assembly to fall lower?

[@bubbs190]

Great directions, super easy. Thank you!

[@perjian1697]

Great video. All the relevant info for changing the rear shock absorbers. Video is a bit long, but still great job!!

[@micheldesrochers3684]

Excellent video, once more...

[@rogerk7194]

Thnx for your time and your tips

[@jasoncox2780]

I’ve got a 06 Mazda Tribute… the stud keeps spinning with nut, I’ve blasted it with WD40 and let it sit, I’ve tried locking pliers onto it, can not get that nut off. Any tips? Blow torch it maybe? I’m losing hope

[@megadouche7030]

Thanks, man. This was super helpful. Love your channel.

[@lorenhoss4587]

Your videos are great!

[@sjochssr]

Many thanks for the vid. Going to help my son replace the shocks on his '01 Tribute with 170k miles this weekend. If you don't mind, would you please tell me what brand and model torque wrench you use as well as which model Milwaukee Fuel portable impact wrench? There are hundreds of different torque wrenches for sale and the quality appears to vary widely. Many thanks.

[@thesavo]

When do the Rear Springs get replaced? Should I replace them when I do the rear shocks or do they tend to last longer than 167,000 miles?

[@atran416]

Is the left shock the same part as the right part? Do the shocks come sold in pairs or do we have to buy two individually?