How to Install Front Strut Mounts on a 2005-2014 Mustang

Last Updated August 14, 2024 | Nate Moonis

As your 2005-2014 Mustang ages, it's common for the front strut mounts to deteriorate. This leads to unresponsive suspension performance and an annoying clunking noise, along with plenty of other tell-tale signs your struts need to be replaced. If this sounds like your ride, it might be time to swap out your stock front mounts for an aftermarket upgrade.

How to Install Front Strut Mounts on an S197 Ford Mustang

In this installation guide, we'll walk you through the process of installing new front strut mounts on a 2005-2014 Ford Mustang. Besides giving you the peace of mind that comes with new components, upgraded front strut mounts can improve suspension performance and handling.

We're installing Ford Racing Front Strut Mounts onto our 2005-2014 Mustang, but the process is largely the same with any brand or model with a few differences.

Tools Needed

• Jack Stands
• Floor Jack
• Spring Compressor
• Torque Wrench
• 18mm Deep Well Socket
• 13mm Deep Well Socket
• 10mm Socket
• Socket Wrench(es)
• 8mm Open End/Box Wrench
• 10mm Open End/Box Wrench
• 18mm Open End/Box Wrench
• 21mm Open End/Box Wrench
• Panel Puller (or Needle Nose Pliers)

Step 1: Jack Up Your Mustang

Engage your emergency brake and open the hood of your Mustang. If you don't have an impact wrench, it's a good idea to loosen the lug nuts on your front wheel while the car is on the ground. After you've done that, jack up the front of the car and rest it on jack stands.

Step 2: Remove Front Wheels

Remove the front wheels from the car using an impact or socket wrench.

Step 3: Loosen Strut Nuts

Under the hood, loosen all four of the upper strut nuts using the 13mm deep well socket. Leave them attached until later to prevent the strut assembly from falling. If you have a strut tower brace as well, remove it as well.

Step 4: Turn The Wheel

Turn your Mustang's wheel towards the side you are working on. For example, if you are working on the driver's side front, turn the wheel left.

Step 5: Remove Brake Line Bolt

Remove the brake line bolt using a 10mm socket.

Step 6: Turn The Wheel Again

Turn the wheel in the opposite direction you did in Step 4.

Step 7: Remove ABS Sensor Clip

Using a panel puller or set of needle nose pliers, remove the plastic ABS sensor wire retaining clip. Remove this carefully because it will be used again later.

Step 8: Support Spindle

Support the Mustang lower control arm and spindle using a floor jack and jack stand.

Step 9: Remove Upper Stabilizer End Link Nut

Remove the upper stabilizer end link nut with an 18mm deep well socket. An impact gun can be used, but if an impact gun is not used, hold the stud in place with an 8mm wrench and remove the nut by using an 18mm open-ended wrench.

Step 10: Separate End Link

Separate the Mustang end link from the strut assembly.

Step 11: Remove Strut-To-Spindle Bolts

Using an 18mm socket, remove both strut-to-spindle bolts. These are torqued to 148 ft./lbs, so, if available, use an impact gun to remove the bolts.

Once the bolts are removed, the rotor assembly may flop outward. Be prepared and hold the rotor assembly in place to avoid damage/injury.

Step 12: Break Rotor Assembly Loose

If the Mustang brake rotor assembly did not break loose when the bolts were removed, gently wiggle the rotor assembly outwards until it releases from the strut assembly.

Step 13: Loosen Upper Strut Nuts

Holding the Mustang strut assembly in place, reach under the hood and remove the upper strut nuts that were loosened in Step 3.

Be prepared, as the strut assembly is completely loose at this point. Be careful not to drop it or scratch the car.

Step 14: Attach Spring Compressor

Attach the spring compressor tool per manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 15: Compress Spring

Compress the spring until the tension is removed from the upper strut mount.

Step 16: Unscrew Strut Nut

Using a 10mm wrench, hold the strut stud from spinning while using a 21mm open-ended wrench to remove the nut.

Step 17: Remove Strut Mount

Remove the strut mount from the assembly and set it aside. You won't need it for the rest of the install.

Step 18: Install New Strut Mount

Install the new strut mount onto the strut piston.

Step 19: Align Coil Spring

Make sure the ends of the Mustang coil spring rest adjacent to the notches in the strut assembly. There is one notch on both the top and bottom of the spring.

Step 20: Replace Strut Mount Bolt

With both notches aligned, replace the strut mount nut. Using a 10mm wrench, hold the stud to prevent spinning and use a 21mm open-ended wrench to tighten the nut.

Step 21: Align Strut Mount

Turn the strut mount so that the indicator notch and the arrow are aligned with the clevis at the bottom of the strut.

Step 22: Torque Strut Nut

Torque the strut nut to 46 ft./lbs. Note that the nut may bottom out before reaching this torque. Do not use an impact gun for this step, as it may damage the piston.

Step 23: Release Spring Compressor

Release the Mustang spring compressor tool as directed by manufacturer's instructions.

Step 24: Insert The Strut Assembly Into The Strut Tower

Insert the strut assembly back into the strut tower. Make sure the notch and clevis are aligned and facing outward.

Step 25: Loosely Attach Upper Strut Nuts

While holding the Mustang strut assembly in place, reach under the hood and loosely attach the upper strut nuts to help hold the assembly in place.

Pro Tip: Make sure the new nuts are installed.

Step 26: Slide Rotor Assembly Into Place

With the Mustang lower control arm still supported, slide the rotor assembly back into the clevis.

Step 27: Reattach Strut-To-Spindle Bolts

Slide both strut-to-spindle bolts through the holes and attach the nuts on the backside.

Step 28: Torque Strut-To-Spindle Bolts

Torque the two strut-to-spindle bolts to 148 ft./lbs. using an 18mm deep well socket and an impact gun (if available) or a torque wrench.

This area will be tight if the torque wrench has a long handle.

Step 29: Slide Upper Stabilizer Link Into Place

Slide the upper stabilizer link through the hole it was removed from. It may help to use the floor jack to adjust the height of the assembly.

Step 30: Tighten Upper Stabilizer Link Nut

Using an 8mm wrench, hold the stud to prevent spinning. Use an 18mm open-ended wrench to tighten the nut. Torque this nut to 85 ft./lbs.

Step 31: Reinstall ABS Sensor Clip

Reinstall the plastic ABS sensor retaining clip.

Step 32: Reattach Brake Line

Align the brake line bracket with the lower strut flange and insert the bolt. Using a 10mm socket, tighten the bolt to 11 ft./lbs.

Step 33: Torque Upper Strut Nuts

Torque all four Mustang upper strut nuts to 26 ft./lbs. with a 13mm deep well socket.

Step 34: Reattach Wheel

Slide your wheel onto the studs and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

Step 35: Repeat This Process

Repeat Steps 3-34 on the other side.

Step 36: Lower The Car

Gently lower the car carefully using the floor jack.

Step 37: Torque Wheel Lugs

Torque your wheel nuts down to spec using a torque wrench.

Step 38: Check Upper Strut Nuts

Go back through and ensure your upper strut nuts have been properly torqued to spec. If not, tighten them with a torque wrench to 26 ft./lbs.

Congratulations, you're all done!

Update Your Soft and Unresponsive Suspension with New Strut Mounts

Upgrading to new strut mounts is an effective way to improve the ride quality and handling of your 2005-2014 Mustang. If you'd like to further upgrade your Mustang suspension, we have a variety of aftermarket improvements to take your ride to the next level.