2001-2012 Ford Escape: Front Suspension Motorcraft Loaded Strut Install

[@FordTechMakuloco]

These are the Parts and Tools I recommend: Motorcraft Quick Struts- 2001-2004 Models: Left- ASTL33 Right- ASTL32 2005-2008 Models: Left- ASTL31 Right- ASTL30 2009-2012 Models: Left- amzn.to/2yE7Pk9 Right- amzn.to/2kwWUnA Mopar Rust Penetrant- amzn.to/2yEMTtk Medium Strength Threadlocker- amzn.to/2AR7mBk Torque Specs: Strut to Knuckle Bolts- 85ft lbs Upper Strut Nuts- 35ft lbs Stabilizer Link Nut- 46ft lbs

[@rosswade5958]

Is that a 3/8" impact you're using? The impact other than the mid-torque.

[@maxwell9219]

U r da man

[@georgejoseph90210]

Another great Vid... Now... 2005 Escape REAR BRAKES..... need a VID... another Great one Of YOURS... you explain it better than any other ones I've seen... Others give sketchy info... I TRUST YOU... Thks

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Really, I thought I looked pretty tan when the auto white balance corrected itself.

[@TRAVIS-L]

FordTechMakuloco looks the same when i did my suzuki grand vitara xl7

[@xr7coug]

Nice job. You are one of the best out there to help amateur and experienced mechanics work on their Fords. This is an easy job and no reason for anyone with basic tools to have it done at a shop. You are helping folks keep money in their pockets.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

That's the idea.

[@jasonfixedit4100]

Brian, I can't thank you enough... I know it takes a while to shoot videos, edit them, re-takes, uploading, etc. But you are helping so many people. I recently bought a 2009 Ford Escape that I really love. I got it knowing that it had issues, but I got it for such a cheap price because the seller didn't know how to work on cars. It was really, really cheap. Because of you, I was able to replace the struts, rear shocks, radio, vent mode actuator, hatchback actuator, and all motor/trans mounts. It is like a brand new car now, and I owe it to you!! Because of your videos, I knew what was wrong, were to get the parts, the exact tools needed, step by step on how to do it, torque specs, etc. Today I replaced struts and shocks in one hour. It now rides as good as my Volvo. You saved me a ton of cash over taking to the shop, and allowed me to buy a great car at a rock bottom price. What you do makes a huge difference on peoples lives. Thank you!

[@dailyhondas1480]

Your videos have saved me thousands of dollars. I have an 09 escape XLT and we absolutely love it. Actually thought about buying a second one if I can find one with black leather interior like mine in good shape. This thing is a beast. Thank you for the content, much appreciated.

[@fredkaminski6138]

Who knows more about rust than Mopar! That's a stab!

[@GodIsmylife00]

Just here to say thank you for taking the time to help us ford owners. I watched this video and all your others on thee Escape. I always recommend your channel to other ford owners . Again thank you so much.

[@robertbelden1584]

I didn't realize these were that easy to do! Great informative and very detailed video. Worked out great and was exactly what I expected after watching your video. Saved me over $500 on the labor! Thanks Brian!!

[@Garyscott7]

09 and 180,000 miles? Looks like it has only been driven in a clean room. Impressed! Thank you for excellent professionally made help videos and shared knowledge. I just got a 2010 V-6 XLT Escape driven by a little old lady for 22,000 miles and want to keep it on the road for a long time.

[@Davido50]

Good basic maintenance she will last you a long long time.

[@pyts493]

Dude, you're my favorite thing about Ford. Thank you for providing high-quality, truly professional vehicle specific service information. You've helped me to keep our vehicles maintained at a reasonable cost while ensuring friends and family are as safe as possible when on the road.

[@donnareed3822]

Thanks I’m sixty years old and you made this video so plainly understood that even I could do it

[@donnareed3822]

And I did 😬

[@VeganHorseman]

Another great video Brian. You do such great work and are helping so many people like myself who are challenged by the new car technology. My 2005 Escape Limited is at 117,000 and I used your video on front disk brakes to do the job myself. Your video on my tablet was a step by step tutorial as I progressed on the driver side. The passenger side took about 1/4 the time since I now knew what to do. Changing the struts don't appear as challenging as I thought.

[@rwrobs777]

Brian, You are a Ford LEGEND !!!...I finally gave my '05 Escape to my girlfriend's daughter. Had 340,000 miles and still going strong. I had replaced my front struts at 188,000 and again at 317,000 miles. The Quick Struts are great !!...at the Airlines we use Aero Kroil as a rust penetrant...I think I had seen you use it in a video a while back...great stuff !!...I bought a 2016 4 Runner that was a lease return with 13,000 miles after much research on Consumer Reports. Solid truck. The lessee had brought it in for a "burning" smell and I noticed it a few times myself... got out of the truck and could not locate it under the hood...must be something on the inside. It happened again last Friday driving home so I'm taking it to the dealer on Monday to have them look at it...Will probably a "can not duplicate" !!....any suggestions where to look or how to find it...I don't own a "Smellometer"...LOL !!!....when it goes out of warranty in 6,000 miles and it is still occurring can this still be considered "warranty repair" ??...I don't want to be on the hook if they can't find or fix it.

[@Rigatonispaghettioly]

What engine did it have?

[@Rigatonispaghettioly]

The escape

[@andyr462]

Thanks for putting the torque specs in the description

[@ragtie6177]

Watched this again...cuz ya can't study it too many times. Great video, I'm putting a leveling kit on ours.

[@brianhind6149]

Brian, You do a magnificent job of making these videos. Your articulation is excellent & you explain things extremely well. Yours is a great service to the DIY folk.

[@MarkK01]

I love your tutorials. I own a 2009 Ford Escape as well and just watching your videos had really helped. Thank you and keep the videos coming.

[@jasonfixedit4100]

I agree. I have a 2009 Escape that I bought knowing it had some issues. Thanks to these videos, I knew how to fix them, but the seller didn't. So I got a great deal on it because he discounted it so much for the problems.

[@ve2vfd]

Thanks for an awesome tutorial! Just swapped mine out (2009 xlt v6 4wd) and it took me less than 20 minutes per side. Completely changed the ride and handling, the Escape now purrs like a well oiled kitten! Got a set of Ford OEM's from RockAuto for less than half the dealer asking price here in Canada (3 day shipping and customs included!). Wish I could have used your Amazon affiliate links, but amazon's shipping cost to Canada was insane.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

What were your km at change-out?

[@ve2vfd]

@@RideAcrossTheRiver Somewhere around 90,000km.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@ve2vfd Hmmm, I'm at over 120k. Were you noticing problems or just decided to change them?

[@ve2vfd]

@@RideAcrossTheRiver Problems, suspension was mushy and lots of diving on sharp turns and squealing during long turns (like highway clover interchanges). Also bouncy front end on bumps. It happened gradually. Also at that mileage you might want to check your subframe if you're in the rust belt. Mine was completely rotten and I had to change it last fall. I posted photos on Escape-City in the "09 Ford Escape Sub Frame Rust?" thread (user velveeta).

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@ve2vfd I was thinking of Motorcraft for front and KYB for rear. I'd like to see my mechanic do that work 20 minutes per side, though. :^)

[@r.i.a.n.63]

Your videos are excellent, thank you so much for taking the time. It's cool that I own the exact same Escape as you because you have helped with a lot of common repairs.

[@waterman308]

i dont even have an Escape and i watched this just because your videos are so good, and your techniques are transferable to other applications. I just did all 4 on my 03 Expy. The front tires (cooper AT3s @33"), got chopped. I was actually able to resell all 4 for about 200.00, to recover some of the new cost of 4 Faulken tires (33s).

[@moonspots01]

Thank you! I am replacing the front struts, stabilizer arms, and tie rod ends on a 2005. This video was exactly what I needed to see!

[@wickedcoolname5756]

Thanks dude. Nice clear video. I'm a carpenter by trade but I love doing my own mechanical work and videos like yours are invaluable to backyard knuckle scrapers like me.

[@sigpro69]

Thanks for the great video!

[@hoosiered471]

Thanks for the great video! About time Motorcraft started making quick change struts!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

My thoughts exactly!

[@bradruehle8404]

Thank you very much for the info, just did the front struts and stablinks on my son's 2009 escape. Aside from the rust, I live outside of Milwaukee Wisconsin, it all went pretty well.

[@TheMCD1989]

I have to say your videos are awesome, very well done and very helpful. I found your channel after the usual throttle body problem on my wife's 2009 Escape XLT. Now I find myself watching your videos just because they are so informative! I've watched ones that I don't even need to fix yet, but now I'll know when I do. I'm not a Ford person by any means, and minus the transmission crapping out at 90k and needing to be rebuilt and the constant junky sway bar links these cars are awesome. I wish that Ford had kept making them and just fixed the few stupid common problems with them (Throttle body, sway bar links and transmission weakness). My wife's has 134k on it now it I love reading the comments and people are getting 200-300k out of these. They are built like damn tanks! I just ordered a whole Mevotech lower control arm because I need to replace a ball joint and I got it for the same price, and I've heard that's the way to go. Sorry for the long reply but just wanted to give you a thumbs up!

[@paulbryan5685]

Just subscribed!! I was going to pay to have these replaced after I do the brakes. But watching and seeing how easy this is ya just saved me hundreds of dollars 💵 Much Appreciated

[@MrDdm343]

Great video! I would love to see similar videos for the Ford Escapes 2020-2024. I have noticed that many people complain about bad struts and shocks early in the cars use. Same for mine. After 33K miles my back struts are leaking. Of course this was noticed after my basic warranty.

[@Randy-sw5fk]

Thank you for your willingness to show us how to do this ourselves. Great video

[@charlessafarian3295]

I love your videos. I have a 2011 Explorer with 190,000 miles. This was perfect for me, thank you!

[@pldehoff]

Thanks for another great video. Saved a lot of money doing the struts myself. Second one was a bit quicker than the first.

[@tatsumaru12345]

Beyond the caliper being a hex instead of bolt heads, I love how easy it is to work on my 2010 escape. Did the control arms. Plus the tsb kit with the bearing behind the axle seal, the seal itself, inner cv axle. All just so easy. My 08 hyundai accent, a pain sometimes!

[@GeigerCounterVirtualMuseum]

I put the KYB'S on my 06 and love them.

[@MrOlderandwiser]

I have been watching this channel for a few years and like it. I have my own independent shop also and it's always good to see fellow shop owners with the same struggles as I have. I also follow you Facebook page, however, for some reason, I cannot make any comments on you Facebook page. Thanks for posting all the videos, though!

[@kevinstanard3696]

I like how you always torque the bolts, thorough job.

[@xenawarriorprincess6536]

Thanks! I wasn’t gonna tackle this myself but you made it look easy so I’ll give er a go.

[@Motorcycology]

Excellent video and very informative. I've got a 2009 Ford Escape and will change the struts this spring following your video guidance . Thanks again

[@dandiegidio7729]

I bought that same motorcraft set 2 years ago for $44 each on clearance. Still working great

[@georei]

Thanks for explaining everything as you go. My wife has a 2012 escape, and this is good knowledge. Job seemed straight forward, and not too complicated.

[@mph5896]

Great idea on using OEM quick struts. On something thats old the entire strut component is usually worn out/rusted not making it worth rebuilding. Aftermarket ones are a crap shoot, I have gotten brand new noisey ones right out of the box.

[@josephdan2850]

You should only used Ford motorcraft parts on Ford Motor Company vehicles. It aint that hard to understand.

[@zombiesatemydonut]

@@josephdan2850 Does FMC make a strut assembly

[@rodgerb962]

You make it look so easy. Another great video. I just only wish I lived closer so you could look at my eco boost.

[@davidmontalvo6560]

Thank you my brother. The video was super informative. i've been thinking on taking this task on for some time now and now i will. thank you again

[@MotorCityMechanic]

I’m so jealous of your shop set up! Great video Brian!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Thanks! I am very lucky to have this shop but also very happy everyday I goto work

[@rodcarpenter849]

Great repair video.....Lighting is awesome

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Oh so much better, I will post a comparison pic on facebook soon.

[@garylucas3621]

I've been watching lots of different videos on how to do this and this Video is definitely the best! None of the others mentions to mark the old strut to line up the mounting plate on the stut bearing to make sure its in the same position as the old one. Great job! Would be nice if you mentioned the difference of how to do this on jack stand versus a lift but other than that, solid video!

[@davisdeluca4324]

Great video...helped me to do the job myself and save some cash...your a great instructor...explained every detail...thx...👍

[@bojo8141]

Great video,I did my taurus the same way,without the lift .Thanks for the share, very good .

[@jamesrichardson559]

My favorite model years of the Escape. A dealer told me when they get a nice one in trade, it sells immediately. Much better than the new models.

[@gregkavonius2146]

Excellent instructional video! I am subscribed to your channel and save your Ford Escape videos for possible future repair. When I back out of my asphalt driveway I can hear my front suspension pop when going a few bumps. I've got about 135k miles on her and may need to replace my front struts. I also have a humming noise that gets louder the faster you drive. I know it's not the front wheel bearings or drive axels because I've changed them out, and hope it's not the transmission. I've got to get it jacked up and put it in gear and see if I can pinpoint the noise. Could be the transfer case or differential.

[@donnareed3822]

I have a 2012 Ford Escape 3.0 v6 I’m working on it myself. Can you tell me please where can I find the torque spec for my car. I’m doing the valve cover gaskets , spark plugs. Next up will be the struts and brakes Thank you. I love watching your videos. They are very helpful

[@EarthSurfer]

Wow! Thank for the excellent video. It definitely helped me know I can do the job in a few hours without special tools. I have had too many long Saturdays trying to replace old-school struts.

[@jasonsmith2084]

I have a 2012 ford escape,its awsome! I love the body style,i jus got loaded struts as this is shown in the video thanks manso helpful !

[@richardstoffel6585]

Awesome video, descriptions, and the techniques pointed out. Good job, thanks for the extra work with the video!

[@ryanmac7377]

Congrats on your new shop!! soon time for a tour

[@blackwaxx6]

My son and are fixing up a 2012 escape xlt which he enjoys driving it. The struts are next. This is a great video thanks so much for making it. Just wondering if you have one on how to remove the rear hatch. Great video and Thanks for your help.

[@mikecont9742]

Very informative. Like the step by step. Thanks for taking time.

[@jedunnblue]

Looking forward to changing my front struts now - THANKS for a great how-to video!

[@OregonCoastVideo]

Nice Job!. Can you make a Video of the Rear Brake Job. Rear Pads..

[@leedress2187]

Nicely done.. glad to know they are available. those prices are very nice too.. I'm sure I have at least another 80,000 left on my originals. Thanks for the how to video...

[@cartercrest864]

Hi Brian. Nice work in video presentation. One question: could i know why you did adjust in order to match the notch position(at about 11:30 video) ? if not matched, what's the consequence?

[@jacobroberts147]

I also would like to know. I just installed my quick struts on my 04 escape 4wd not knowing I had to position the notches. I’ve been hearing a weird pop/clunk noise. And I’m hoping it’s not because I didn’t do that

[@austinsears1637]

@@jacobroberts147 sorry but what are these notches you're referring to? More than likely you're hearing/feeling a popping ball joint and or control arm bushing and or even sway bar end links/tie rod ends. Once you introduce new struts, more parts recieve more pressure/load and in different directions than previously used to. But hey, congrats on the install! Dont let anymore repairs get in you're way! If you're able to do struts and not crash test driving immediately after, I'd say you're able to do just about anything on your escape!!! ;))

[@johnkapel2128]

Excellent video. It really helped me out changing out my struts. Thank you and keep up the good work!

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

What year is your Escape? Did you run into any snags?

[@djr3485]

As always, great detailed video. At 20:49 you mention that you always recheck torque. I was taught that you only torque a fastener to the first click of the wrench and then leave it alone. Coming back 3 or 4 times will likely result in over-torquing the bolt beyond factory specs.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I always recheck torque, especially on gasket surface and lug nuts.

[@RickSettle]

Another great video. You do excellent work. I've searched and searched the internet, but it seems that no one sells the Quick Strut assembly for a 2011 Explorer Limited, not even Ford Parts Direct. Another great idea that does me no good. :)

[@trreb1]

Getting ready to do this to my 2010 Ford Escape. Thanks for an awesome video.

[@Oracol]

I'm not sure I understand the point of marking one of the nuts in the upper mount 9:42 , as it wasn't referenced later. Did I miss something?

[@superduty4828]

Will you post a vid on doing the rear? Great vid thanks!!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

The rears only use shocks and yes I have a detailed video on that procedure as well in the Escape repair playlist.

[@pierremitham2964]

great video! I'm thinking I need to do this! I have some "clunking" when I go over bumps and I've already replaced both the swaybar links and lower control arms (both Moog hardware) originally changing the swaybar links silenced things but a few months later there was new clunk. I've replace the lower control arms and some of the clunk went away but now i'm thinking the struts are worn out. I have 240,000km on the originals!

[@edgrigsby8610]

Greatly appreciate the video. Produced very well with really good shots. Thank you!

[@Paul-bk7zm]

Time for a ‘new Shop’ walk around video!!!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Very much do once this F-150 leaves

[@thomaspeterson8659]

Shop tour

[@chadharmon5716]

Nice to see another video Brian stay warm

[@custardpie40]

I'm doing struts on my 2003 escape in two weeks..glad i watched this because i havent done any struts yet...Back brakes are not my thing either but they will be getting done too. already have struts, new drum, shoes, just have to pick up springs ..etc new stb links for the front too. Unfortunatly as on alot of escapes..got that rust in back wheel wells on what should be a frame...oye..time to call my good buddy who welds and works on cars for fun

[@drewfliesbikes]

"who knows more about rust than mopar" :-D I love it

[@mplemke]

Love these videos. I have already done the tie rods on my Escape and am getting ready to do the stab links and control arms next bases on your tutorials.

[@SEllis05]

Great Tutorial, helped me a lot in getting mine in successfully.

[@mph5896]

I see you have a link for the struts on Amazon. I wanted to comment on your link, its a 3rd party seller. Autoplicity based out of Chicago. I had 1 bad experience with them. Purchased some lifters on Amazon for a camshaft job. They immediately marked them shipped to collect $. I emailed them 5 days later since I never received and no tracking number. They stated it was damaged and cancelled my order. I had to order elsewhere which delayed my repair a week. I left appropriate feedback on their Amazon Profile. It was deleted by Amazon since I received a full refund. So my comment on here is just a FYI on 3rd party low priced goods on Amazon. Also, what kind of warranty are they offering for the part? Prob none.

[@dewholdingsllc1050]

Thanks for content. I have low mile 08 hybrid while struts not worn out very old same with the end links which seem to be making worn clunking noise over bumps. Seems like best to replace end links when replacing struts? Moog part is much beefier and has service grease zerts over OEM.

[@glazier4766]

Great video!!!!! Thank you so much. Just 1 question , should I get a new stab link also. I have a 2005 ford escape and man its like hitting a brick every little pot hole. I appreciate you doing this for all of us wanna be mechanics. I mean I do alot of work on the truck but this really helped me alot. Thanks again

[@glazier4766]

One more thing, I just priced them on Amazon. Damn things are $189.00 a piece. Then automuto has both left and right for $130.49 . I'm guessing Automuto is junk? I think I should probably get the stabilizers also. Sorry, but one more thing, you wouldn't happen to have a link for new stabilizers or part number. I would really appreciate it.

[@owlandbear1220]

Excellent process and step-by-step tutorial. Thanks!

[@parallelbxlt1295]

Good job Crist always great to see u help me to make a better job..👍

[@javiercorral6241]

Hi . excellent video even though I do not know English, I understood it just by seeing the images. Thank you.

[@jonathanbricio8871]

Hey new mechanic here thanks for the vid. As for Torque specs, I just tightened as hard as I could with my hand and manual tools. Is that suffice? What’s the worst and best that can happen?

[@donnareed3822]

I followed you instructions. They were flawless. Can you recommend a person in my neck of the woods to appreciate with please. I’m in western wa.

[@FishOnIsMyHandle]

"...and who knows more about rust than Mopar..." *RIGHT ! : )*

[@williamobrien2759]

Mounds Of Putty And Rust

[@randyragon]

Stab(ilizer) link on my '02 had no hexes on the stud, out the front for a allen or on the back for a wrench. Guess they improved it when they got to your year. Of course it just spun. Tried to grab the back with long-nose vice-grips, but it didn't hold. The stud is too hard to get a good bite into it. Finally just had to cut it off with a reciprocating saw.

[@jeffdiabo9281]

Since ford now owns Mazda, it seems the process be the same for an 09 tribute as they both look the same. However I am concerned about needing an alignment afterwards. Is an alignment necessary? Great Videos by the way. Informative and helpful. Keep up the good work.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Now owns Mazda? I think Ford has had stake in Mazda since the 70's and now has severed ties to nothing as of 2015. Alignment is only needed to fix a camber or caster issue if it presents itself.

[@jeffdiabo9281]

FordTechMakuloco thanks for the reply. As far as ford owning mazda I dont know about their stake in it. But I had an 06 b3000 which was mazda in name only. Everything under the hood was ford so I assume it was just a ranger ...

[@donnareed3822]

FordTechMakuloco How do you decide what questions to answer?

[@richardtidd2738]

Great video, Thanks, Can you do a 2005-2012 Escape lower control arm video in the future? Keep up the great work thanks !!!!!!!

[@UncleKrusty68]

I have the 2011 model of that Escape. I might just attempt this myself with what you've shown here.

[@jimbalcom2880]

Hey Brian, just getting started and your videos are so helpful. I'm getting started on my daughter's Escape soon. Can you tell me what brand/model your Torque wrench is and do you recommend it?

[@vicocm24]

Excelente video, ayudame con mi duda, tengo un vehiculo igual a ese, Ford Escape 2010, no gotea la suspencion pero es notable que perdio altura, lo puedo sentir ya que la rotula hace contacto con una base ahi abajo y produce un sonido, me gustaria elevarlo, es necesario cambiar la suspencion o hay otra manera de elevar el vehiculo en la parte delantera? Gracias

[@nivlem131303]

question: while replacing the strut, can you add 2" spacers so like a leveling lift???

[@mechanics2804]

Do you know where a guy might find a leveling kit for the '08-'12 Escape?

[@bradleyporter5454]

SpannerSpinner ebay

[@gmdsr1177]

Have you done a video on replacing gas tank straps for 2003 Escape?

[@JM-mc7td]

Great videos, really helpfull on my fords just a quick question. The camber in my mariner wich is pretty much the same vehicle is way to positive does changing the control arms fix it? Just put new struts on it but I dont see screws for camber alignment

[@luisherrera3896]

Great video, One doubt I hope you can help me out, would be recommended to mix a quick struts for motorcraft one side and the other an KYB?

[@newyork819]

Great video. Really helps me with my 09 Hybrid. Do you have a video for inner and outer tie rods?

[@Blackford86]

Maybe I missed it with your shop setup but what kind of car/truck lift you have and the pros and cons of it. Thanks

[@dad2dj]

If I did both front strut assemblies plus replaced with new Motorcraft stabilizer links, would I need an alignment then? Thanks for the video.

[@anthonytrombetta752]

great video. everything is step by step. the feel and what to expect. thank you

[@gkfamily7172]

You are a blessed and anointed teacher, sir. You have a God given gift. Thank you. This is so helpful. Quick novice question: You recommend the private label shocks which you use in your video. I imagine since you know your stuff - this is the best choice . My question is: is their a better value if you want a " luxury " feel to the shocks? I live in the Rust Belt and my wife is pregnant. Some pot holes are unavoidable. Thanks for your time and God Bless in the Name of Jesus! I

[@alanromero6059]

Great instructions and clear explanation, thanks!

[@CARLOSGONZALEZ-wk2jj]

Congratulations, great video helps a lot keep doing what you know, because that helps us and I like the video too because you don't say bad words, thanks again

[@lite566]

i replaced both with quick struts today. install went fine, and i aligned the notches the best I could. however once i got the tires on and went for a drive, the steering wheel is off center by like 2 inches now to drive straight. i'm assuming i need an alignment?