How to Replace Front Struts on a 2018 Ford Edge (DIY Step-by-Step Guide)
Tools, parts list, safety tips, and alignment advice for quick-strut or spring reuse installs
How to Replace Front Struts on a 2018 Ford Edge (DIY Step-by-Step Guide)
Tools, parts list, safety tips, and alignment advice for quick-strut or spring reuse installs


🔧 Edge - Strut Replacement
On your Edge, the front suspension uses strut assemblies (a shock + coil spring unit). The rear suspension typically uses a separate shock and spring, so the “rear strut” process and parts are different.
Before I lay out the exact step-by-step with correct Ford torque specs, I need one detail so I don’t give you the wrong procedure.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2.5-5.0 hours (pair)
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Never remove the center nut on top of a loaded strut unless the spring is fully compressed with a spring compressor (the spring stores a lot of energy).
- ⚠️ Support the vehicle with jack stands on solid points; never rely on a floor jack alone.
- ⚠️ If you disconnect any ABS/brake line brackets, make sure the hose/wiring is not stretched or twisted.
- ⚠️ After strut/shock work, a wheel alignment is typically required to prevent tire wear and poor handling.
- ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not typically required for this job.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Wheel chocks
- Safety glasses
- Mechanic gloves
- Breaker bar (1/2")
- Torque wrench (10-250 ft-lbs range)
- Socket set (8mm-24mm, 1/2" drive)
- Wrench set (8mm-24mm)
- Allen key set (metric)
- Pry bar (24")
- Hammer (16 oz)
- Punch (6mm)
- Trim clip removal tool
- Penetrating oil
- Paint marker
- Spring compressor (specialty)
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Front strut assembly (complete “quick strut”) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
- OR front strut (damper insert/unit only) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
- Front strut mount/bearing kit - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
- Front sway bar end link - Optional if worn - Qty: 2
- Front strut-to-knuckle bolts/nuts - Optional if specified as one-time-use - Qty: 1 set
- Rear shock absorbers - If you meant rear (not struts) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
- Rear upper/lower shock hardware - Optional if specified as one-time-use - Qty: 1 set
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
- Break the lug nuts loose with a breaker bar before lifting the vehicle.
- Spray penetrating oil on lower strut bolts and sway bar end link nuts 10–15 minutes ahead.
- Two quick questions so I can give you the exact Ford procedure + torque specs:
- Are you replacing the front struts, the rear shocks, or all four corners?
- Are you installing complete quick-strut assemblies (pre-assembled), or reusing your springs (needs a spring compressor)?
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Confirm which corners and which parts
- Reply with: Front / Rear / All four and Quick-strut / Reuse springs.
- Once you confirm, I’ll provide the exact Edge-specific steps with the correct Ford torque specs for your configuration.
Step 2: Do not proceed until torque specs are confirmed
- Strut/shock fasteners are safety-critical and must be tightened correctly with a torque wrench.
- Wrong torque can cause noise or unsafe handling.
✅ After Repair
- Get a 4-wheel alignment after front strut replacement.
- Road test at low speed first; listen for clunks over bumps.
- Recheck lug nut torque after 25–50 miles using a torque wrench.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $900-$1,800 (parts + labor, front pair; varies by parts choice)
DIY Cost: $350-$900 (parts only, front pair; varies by parts choice)
You Save: $550-$900 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2.5-4.5 hours.
🎯 Ready to get started?
HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.

















