Removal And Installation: Spring: Installation

2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid, AWDSECTION Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford RV Cutaway, 2008 Ford Econoline, 2008 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2008 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Position the leaf spring shackle and install the bolt and nut.
    • Tighten until snug.
  2. Position the rear spring and install the shackle-to-rear bracket bolt and flag nut until snug.
  3. Install the spring-to-front bracket bolt and flag nut until snug.
  4. NOTE: When installing new U-bolts, the measurement between A and B should be 107 mm (4.21 in) Β± 3 mm (0.12 in) for E150/E250/E350 vehicles and 112 mm (4.41 in) Β± 3 mm (0.12 in) for E450 vehicles. This is important for providing the correct U-bolt clamp load and retention of parts.
  5. Position the spring upper plate and install the U-bolts and nuts.
    • Tighten until snug.
  6. Fig 1: When Installing New U-Bolts, Measurement Between A & B Should Be 107 mm (4.21 in) Β± 3 mm (0.12 in)
    GF0044633Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Install the shock absorber lower nut and bolt.
    • Tighten until snug.
  8. Install the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES article.
  9. Lower the vehicle until the weight of the vehicle is resting on the wheels and tires (curb height).
  10. Tighten the shackle-to-rear bracket bolt to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).
  11. Tighten the shackle-to-leaf spring nut to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).
  12. Tighten the spring-to-front bracket bolt to 350 Nm (258 lb-ft).
  13. Tighten the U-bolt nuts evenly in an X-type pattern in 5 stages.
    • Stage 1: Tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).
    • Stage 2: Tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).
    • Stage 3: Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
    • Stage 4: Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
    • Stage 5: Tighten to 225 Nm (166 lb-ft).
  14. Tighten the shock absorber lower nut to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.