Lincoln Nautilus: Rear Suspension / Rear Shock Absorber. Removal and Installation

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified.

1. Remove the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheel and Tire (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
   

1. NOTICE: The rear suspension height sensor must be disconnected from the lower control arm prior to servicing suspension components or damage to the suspension height sensor and/or the vehicle dynamic suspension system may occur. The sensor will need to be recalibrated after reassembly.

   If equipped.
   Remove the rear height sensor arm bracket bolt and position the rear height sensor arm bracket aside.
   

1. If equipped.
   Disconnect the rear shock absorber electrical connector.
   

1. If equipped.
   Unclip the rear shock absorber wire harness retaining clips and position the harness aside.
   

1. Support the rear suspension using an axle stand.
   Use the General Equipment: Vehicle/Axle Stands

1. Remove and discard the rear shock absorber lower bolts.
   Torque: 35 lb.ft (48 Nm)

1. Remove and discard the rear shock absorber upper bolts.
   

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   Remove the rear shock absorber rod nut cap.
   

1. NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove the nut.

   NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the shock absorber rod from turning while removing or installing the shock absorber rod nut.

   Remove and discard the rear shock absorber rod nut.
   

Installation

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the shock absorber rod from turning while removing or installing the shock absorber rod nut.

   Install the new rear shock absorber rod nut.
   Torque: 22 lb.ft (30 Nm)

1. NOTE: This step is only necessary when installing a new component.

   NOTE: If equipped.

   Install the rear shock absorber rod nut cap.
   

1. Install the rear shock absorber and install the new rear shock absorber lower bolts.
   Torque: 35 lb.ft (48 Nm)

1. 1. Compress the rear shock absorber and align the rear shock absorber upper mount under the body alignment pins.
      
   2. Install the new rear shock absorber upper bolts.
      Torque: 76 lb.ft (103 Nm)

1. If equipped.
   Position the rear shock absorber wire harness and clip the harness retaining clips into place.
   

1. If equipped.
   Connect the rear shock absorber electrical connector.
   

1. If equipped.
   Position the rear height sensor arm bracket and install the rear height sensor arm bracket bolt.
   Torque: 177 lb.in (20 Nm)

1. Install the wheel and tire.
   Refer to: Wheel and Tire (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Calibrate the suspension system. Connect the scan tool and carry out the Ride Height Calibration routine. Follow the scan tool directions.