🔧 Fusion - Rear Shock Absorber Replacement

Replacing the rear shock absorbers on your Fusion restores ride control, reduces bouncing, and helps keep the tires planted over bumps. Shock absorbers should be replaced in pairs so the left and right sides behave the same.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a flat, solid surface only.
• ⚠️ Never work under your Fusion supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands.
• ⚠️ The rear suspension can drop when shock bolts are removed. Support the lower control arm before removing the shock.
• ⚠️ Replace both rear shocks as a pair for balanced handling.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 1/2-inch drive breaker bar
• 1/2-inch drive ratchet
• 1/2-inch drive torque wrench
• 19mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 18mm wrench
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Trim removal tool
• Flathead screwdriver
• Mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear shock upper mounting nuts - Qty: 4
• Rear shock lower mounting bolts - Qty: 2
• Rear shock lower mounting nuts - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Fusion on level ground.
• Shift to Park and set the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks in front of the front tires.
• Spray penetrating oil on the lower shock bolts before lifting the vehicle.
• A torque wrench tightens bolts to an exact amount so parts are secure without being over-tightened.
• A breaker bar is a long handle used to loosen tight bolts more easily.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts

• Use the 19mm socket and 1/2-inch drive breaker bar to loosen the rear wheel lug nuts about half a turn.
• Do not remove the lug nuts yet.
• Loosen them while tires touch ground.

Step 2: Raise and support the rear of the vehicle

• Use the floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum) at the rear center jacking point or approved rear lift point.
• Raise the rear of your Fusion high enough for both rear wheels to clear the ground.
• Place jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum) under the approved rear pinch weld or subframe support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the jack stands.
• Leave the floor jack nearby for supporting suspension parts.

Step 3: Remove both rear wheels

• Use the 19mm socket and 1/2-inch drive ratchet to remove the rear lug nuts.
• Remove both rear wheels by hand.
• Slide the wheels under the vehicle as an extra safety backup, away from where you are working.

Step 4: Support the left rear suspension arm

• Place the floor jack under the left rear lower control arm near the shock mount.
• Raise the jack just until it lightly supports the control arm.
• Do not lift the vehicle off the jack stand.
• Support prevents sudden suspension drop.

Step 5: Remove the left lower shock fastener

• Use the paint marker to mark the position of the lower shock bolt and bracket before removal.
• Use the 18mm socket, 18mm wrench, and 1/2-inch drive breaker bar to loosen the lower shock bolt and nut.
• Remove the lower shock bolt and nut by hand once loose.
• If the bolt is tight, slightly raise or lower the floor jack to remove pressure from the bolt.

Step 6: Access the left upper shock mounting nuts

• Open the trunk.
• Use the trim removal tool to gently pull back the left trunk side trim panel.
• Use the flathead screwdriver only if needed to help release small plastic clips.
• Locate the two upper shock mounting nuts above the wheelhouse area.

Step 7: Remove the left rear shock absorber

• Use the 15mm socket and 1/2-inch drive ratchet to remove the two upper shock mounting nuts.
• Hold the shock with one hand while removing the final nut.
• Remove the shock absorber from the wheel well by hand.

Step 8: Install the new left rear shock absorber

• Position the new rear shock absorber through the wheel well by hand.
• Install the new upper mounting nuts finger-tight by hand first.
• Use the 15mm socket and 1/2-inch drive torque wrench to tighten the upper mounting nuts.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Install the left lower shock fastener

• Use the floor jack to raise or lower the lower control arm until the shock eye lines up with the mounting hole.
• Install the new lower shock bolt and nut by hand.
• Use the 18mm socket, 18mm wrench, and 1/2-inch drive torque wrench to tighten the lower fastener.
• Torque to 115 Nm (85 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Repeat on the right rear shock

• Move the floor jack under the right rear lower control arm.
• Use the 18mm socket, 18mm wrench, and 1/2-inch drive breaker bar to remove the right lower shock fastener.
• Use the trim removal tool to pull back the right trunk side trim panel.
• Use the 15mm socket and 1/2-inch drive ratchet to remove the right upper shock mounting nuts.
• Remove the old shock and install the new shock by hand.
• Use the 15mm socket and 1/2-inch drive torque wrench to tighten the upper nuts to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
• Use the 18mm socket, 18mm wrench, and 1/2-inch drive torque wrench to tighten the lower fastener to 115 Nm (85 ft-lbs).

Step 11: Reinstall trunk trim

• Use your hands to press the trunk side trim panels back into place.
• Reinstall any plastic clips by hand.
• Use the trim removal tool handle to gently seat stubborn clips if needed.

Step 12: Reinstall the rear wheels

• Lift each wheel onto the hub by hand.
• Install the lug nuts by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 19mm socket and 1/2-inch drive ratchet to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.

Step 13: Lower the vehicle and torque the wheels

• Use the floor jack to lift the rear slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum).
• Lower your Fusion until the rear tires touch the ground fully.
• Use the 19mm socket and 1/2-inch drive torque wrench to tighten lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 135 Nm (100 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Bounce each rear corner by hand. The vehicle should settle quickly, not keep bouncing.
• ✅ Take a slow test drive over a smooth road first, then small bumps.
• ✅ Listen for clunks. If you hear one, recheck upper and lower shock fasteners.
• ✅ Recheck rear lug nut torque after 25-50 miles.
• ✅ An alignment is usually not required for rear shock-only replacement, but get one if tire wear or steering pull is present.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$280 (parts only)

You Save: $230-$370 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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