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!
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 !
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.
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 RU-vid! Thanks for being here!
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
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.
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.
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!
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. 👍
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.
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..
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 RU-vid is a lot different then someone as yourself that does it for a living. Thanks.
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.
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...
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.
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
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
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 $$$!!!
Hope your bolt and nut aren't siezed together. I had to cut mine off. Heating wasn't working either. Adds a whole lot more work to this job. Have to take the wheel off, disc brake rotor and the guard on the back of the rotor. What a pain in the ass. Should address this as an addition in case people get the same garbage going on as I had. Not everyone's job goes easy.
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.
I'm sure you figured it out by now, but for anyone else stuck with the same question, just refer to ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cqETtDDuPxA.htmlm48s when he disassembles it.
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.
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
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.
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.
Hey, if anyone finds the shock tower rots away and breaks loose from the inner fender well, there is a repair kit that relocates the upper shock mount to a heavy steel bracket that you bolt to the frame. BBS Auto Parts in the U.S. and Canada has them. After you install the bracket, just replace the rotted inner fender with fiberglass to keep water and fumes out. Spray with rubber coat when done. Saves a good car from the junkyard or a very expensive repair. Here's the video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1oH07GAHBMM.html
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
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
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?
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 .
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??
Awesome buddy thanks for posting this video!! l've changed shocks on the cars and trucks but l would say this is one of the easiest as long as you don't have to cut stuff off. Keep up the great DIY Video's just curious do you have a video on the the front strut removal on Ford Escapes!!
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.
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.
+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.
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.
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
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 !!!
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.
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! :)
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
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.
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.
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.
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???
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?
