🔧 Escape - Rear Shock Absorber Replacement

Your Escape uses rear shock absorbers in the back suspension and strut assemblies in the front. This guide covers replacing the rear shock absorbers, which control bouncing and help keep the tires planted on the road.

Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a flat, solid surface and never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ Always support your Escape with jack stands before going under or near the suspension.
• ⚠️ Replace rear shocks in pairs so the left and right sides control the suspension evenly.
• ⚠️ Do not remove suspension bolts while the vehicle is unstable or supported only by the rear suspension.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for rear shock replacement.

---

🔧 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
• 19mm lug nut socket
• 1/2-inch drive breaker bar
• 1/2-inch drive torque wrench
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 15mm box-end wrench
• 18mm box-end wrench
• Ratchet
• 6-inch socket extension
• Trim clip removal tool
• Penetrating oil
• Rubber mallet
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorbers - Qty: 2
• Rear shock upper mounting nuts - Qty: 4 if not included
• Rear shock lower mounting bolts and nuts - Qty: 2 sets if corroded or damaged

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Escape on level ground.
• Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks in front of the front tires.
• Open the rear liftgate and remove loose cargo from the cargo area.
• Spray the rear shock upper and lower fasteners with penetrating oil and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
• A shock absorber is the tube-shaped suspension part that slows bouncing after bumps.
• A torque wrench tightens bolts to the correct force so they are not too loose or too tight.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the Rear Wheel Lug Nuts

• Use a 19mm lug nut socket and 1/2-inch drive breaker bar to loosen the rear lug nuts about half a turn.
• Do not remove the lug nuts yet.
• Loosen before lifting the vehicle.

Step 2: Raise and Support the Rear

• Use the floor jack at the rear center jacking area or approved rear lift point.
• Lift the rear of your Escape high enough for both rear wheels to clear the ground.
• Place jack stands under the approved rear side support points.
• Slowly lower the vehicle onto the jack stands.
• Gently shake the vehicle by hand to confirm it is stable before continuing.

Step 3: Remove the Rear Wheels

• Use the 19mm lug nut socket and ratchet to remove the rear lug nuts.
• Remove both rear wheels and set them flat on the ground.

Step 4: Support the Rear Suspension Arm

• Place the floor jack lightly under the rear lower control arm near the shock.
• Raise the jack just enough to support the suspension arm.
• Do not lift the vehicle off the jack stand.
• The lower control arm is the metal suspension arm that holds the wheel hub from below.

Step 5: Remove the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use an 18mm socket and ratchet on the lower shock bolt.
• Use an 18mm box-end wrench to hold the nut if it spins.
• Remove the lower shock bolt and nut.
• If the bolt is stuck, spray more penetrating oil and tap the bolt gently with a rubber mallet.

Step 6: Remove the Upper Shock Nuts

• Use a 15mm socket, 6-inch socket extension, and ratchet to remove the upper shock mounting nuts.
• Use a 15mm box-end wrench if space is tight.
• Hold the shock with one hand as the last nut comes off so it does not drop.

Step 7: Remove the Old Shock Absorber

• Pull the shock absorber down and out by hand.
• If it sticks, use the rubber mallet to tap the lower mount lightly.
• Compare the old shock to the new shock before installing it.
• The mounting ends should match in shape and position.

Step 8: Install the New Shock Absorber

• Position the new shock in the upper mount by hand.
• Install the upper nuts by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 15mm socket, 6-inch socket extension, and torque wrench to tighten the upper nuts to Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Install the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use the floor jack to raise or lower the rear control arm until the lower shock hole lines up.
• Slide the lower shock bolt through by hand.
• Install the nut by hand.
• Use an 18mm socket, 18mm box-end wrench, and torque wrench to tighten the lower shock bolt to Torque to 115 Nm (85 ft-lbs).
• Hand-start bolts to prevent thread damage.

Step 10: Repeat on the Other Side

• Move the floor jack to support the other rear lower control arm.
• Use the same 15mm socket, 18mm socket, wrenches, and torque wrench to replace the other rear shock.
• Confirm both upper and lower shock mounts are fully seated.

Step 11: Reinstall the Rear Wheels

• Install both rear wheels by hand.
• Use the 19mm lug nut socket and ratchet to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack and remove the jack stands.
• Lower your Escape until the tires touch the ground.

Step 12: Torque the Lug Nuts

• Use the 19mm lug nut socket and 1/2-inch drive torque wrench.
• Tighten the rear wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to Torque to 135 Nm (100 ft-lbs).
• Fully lower the vehicle and remove the floor jack and wheel chocks.

---

✅ After Repair

• ✅ Bounce each rear corner by hand. The body should settle quickly without repeated bouncing.
• ✅ Test-drive slowly first and listen for clunks or rattles over small bumps.
• ✅ Recheck the rear shock fasteners visually after the first short drive.
• ✅ Recheck lug nut torque after 25-50 miles using the 19mm lug nut socket and torque wrench.
• ✅ Alignment is usually not required for rear shock replacement unless other suspension parts were loosened or replaced.

---

💰 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 1-1.5 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.