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

Come along as we show you just how easy it can be to install a new set of Loaded Struts on your Ford Escape.
These are the Parts and Tools I recommend:
Motorcraft Loaded 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
My Company BSG Automotive offers Auto Repair services in the greater Chicagoland area.
Website:
www.bsgautomotive.com
Facebook:
/ bsgautomotive
Catch up with us on-
Facebook: / fordtechmakuloco
Twitter: / fordtechmak
Instagram: / fordtechmakuloco
My company KZbin Channel- BSG Automotive providing repair advice on makes and models other than Ford: / bsgautomotive1
Disclaimer:
The information, demonstration and any content contained in this video is for informational purposes only. The user and BSG Automotive (hereinafter “FordTechMakuloco”) makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the effectiveness or safety of the contents of this video. In no way should the contents of the video, including the tools used, be repeated or tried by anyone. Viewers should only seek the help of a trained professional located at a licensed auto repair shop for any fix, modification, alteration, or any change to their vehicle. FordTechMakuloco shall not be liable for any injury, damage, or loss to any person or property that may result from use of the tools, equipment, or any content contained in this video. In addition, there is no way to guarantee that the video is not altered or modified or is not in the final form submitted by FordTechMakuloco and therefore, FordTechMakuloco does not warrant that the video is unaltered or not modified. The links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are an endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product. Viewers understand that anything contained in this video or linked to or from this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and in no way provides an express or implied warranty as to the safety or effectiveness of any linked tool, product, or video. Therefore, viewer agrees to release, waive, and discharge FordTechMakuloco or anyone affiliated with FordTechMakuloco, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the viewer, or to any property belonging to viewer, regardless of whether the loss is linked to the use of the contents of this video, or otherwise and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

[@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.

[@maxwellbloomfield9219]

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.

[@fredkaminski6138]

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

[@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!

[@andyr462]

Thanks for putting the torque specs in the description

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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).

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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 😬

[@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.

[@GeigerCounterVirtualMuseum]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@jedunnblue]

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

[@hoosiered471]

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

[@FordTechMakuloco]

My thoughts exactly!

[@kevinstanard3696]

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

[@ragtie6177]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@trreb1]

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

[@anthonytrombetta752]

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

[@ryanmac7377]

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

[@richardstoffel6585]

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

[@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.

[@Randy-sw5fk]

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

[@mikecont9742]

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

[@edgrigsby8610]

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

[@SEllis05]

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

[@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!

[@pldehoff]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@charlessafarian3295]

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

[@bojo8141]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 !

[@chadharmon5716]

Nice to see another video Brian stay warm

[@xenawarriorprincess6536]

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

[@billro6665]

As usual great job of explaining everything. Keep it up.

[@rodcarpenter849]

Great repair video.....Lighting is awesome

[@FordTechMakuloco]

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

[@allaboutgreen1]

Thank you very much for this amazing and helpful video!

[@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

[@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. :^)

[@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.

[@parallelbxlt1295]

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

[@UncleKrusty68]

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

[@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

[@davisdeluca4324]

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

[@alanromero6059]

Great instructions and clear explanation, thanks!

[@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. :)

[@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?

[@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...

[@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!

[@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

[@dandiegidio7729]

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

[@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.

[@loblolly90]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks!

[@richardtidd2738]

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

[@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

[@javiercorral6241]

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

[@TheWaelabo02]

thank you so much i just remove out the turbo from engine 6. 7L i do same way you done . it is more easy by your way . thank you

[@drewfliesbikes]

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

[@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

[@stevektx]

Awesome Video! Thanks!

[@aaronbraschler8003]

Thank you just replaced some today video was spot on!

[@sigpro69]

Thanks for the great video!

[@clarencegilbert4000]

Did mine last weekend (7/11/20) also did the brakes while I was in there.

[@newyork819]

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

[@jimlee5626]

Exelent vid. Thx!!!

[@OregonCoastVideo]

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

[@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.

[@Paul-bk7zm]

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

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Very much do once this F-150 leaves

[@thomaspeterson8659]

Shop tour

[@edbergen526]

great video ..thank you

[@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

[@jamesrichardson771]

Outstanding💥 🛠 "Thank You" very much !!!

[@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

[@bradslawson6613]

As always, excellent tutorial. Lighter colored gloves maybe easier to see your hands in the dark areas.

[@anthonyrebock5351]

Thanks for the video, doing struts today on escape (after fixing sub k. rust metal, front rightC.arm) tires are wearing really bad, inner side. What procedure is there for the rear suspension, shocks or something else... thanks.

[@tedh7543]

Awesome instructional video. Thanks FordTechMakuloco! The only part I had real trouble with was the stab link. When I removed the nut, the bolt went cockeyed and everything I tried was failing to straighten it out so it would release from the hole in the strut. I finally hammered it out and ended up damaging the threads on the bolt. Fortunately the damage was not too terrible and I was able to get the nut to re-thread the bolt. To reinstall the stab link I had to put a c-clamp on the stabilizer bar and clamp it down. I also had to put the wheel back on in order to compress the strut which and finally was able to get the stab link bolt in the strut hole straight and tighten the nut. Do you have any other advice for the stab link removal/reinstall? Thanks again.

[@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.

[@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.

[@luisyemma87]

Excelent totorial

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@ibarratv7465]

Ur the best man

[@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.

[@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.

[@gmdsr1177]

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

[@MsRobi1969]

Dobra praca ..mam Escape 2004/2005 ciężko o części dobre w Polsce.. Good job .. I have Escape 2004/2005 hard for some good parts in Poland .. Pozdrawiam