how to install and remove rear struts on 2000 ford tauras?

I can explain this procedure step by step but first you'll need to round up some tools. A set of shallow well 1/2 drive metric sockets, short 1/2 extension, 12"1/2 drive ratchet, 12" drift, small chisel, jack-stands, floor jack and a can of Blaster rust solvent. Possibly you may need a 16" 1/2 drive ratchet to remove the pinch bolts described below.

Remove the entire back seat. Push in at the bottom section you sit on and it'll pop out. The backrest is held by 4 metric bolts. Lift out the carpeted insert behind the rear seat. Loosen three nuts per side that hold the strut in place. Jack the car up and put jack-stands under the rear lift point (2 feet in front of the rear wheels.) Remove the large nut on the back side of the lower control arm and slide the spindle free. Spray the strut with Blaster where it enters the spindle and the "pinch" bolt that squeezes the aluminum spindle around the strut. Remove the sway bar links.You may need a 16" 1/2 ratchet or a breaker bar to remove the pinch bolt. They often need an acetylene /oxygen torch to expand and loosen them. After the bolt is out place a small chisel between the pinch bolt separation in the spindle. Give it a swat with a hammer. The strut should now be loose inside the spindle.

Remove the 3 nuts on top of each strut inside the the car where you removed the panel back of the rear seat. You must inspect the coil springs closely for breaks and rust. If the springs are whipped Advantage Auto has TRW direct replacements. Carquest had Moog replacements also. There's nothing better than KYB struts avalable at Carquest and autopartswarehouse.com. You must borrow a set of strut spring compressor tools at Auto Zone. Tighten the tools on each side of the spring till there's a gap all the way around the spring and the strut pad. Remove the nut in the center.This car does not have strut bearings in the rear. It's a steel backed hard rubber pad. Loosen the spring compressor equally on each side of the spring till the tension is off.

You're half done! The rest falls back together.

At many auto parts stores you can buy a Haynes or Chilton's do-it-yourself manual for your model car, with step-by-step instructions, and basic explanations at the beginning of each chapter. If it is not in stock, you can order it online by searching on "auto repair manuals" on Yahoo search. In the front is a section on "Troubleshooting" that guides you step-by-step to find causes of most engine malfunctions based on the car's symptoms. Whether you do the work yourself or not, it helps you make informed decisions and not be taken advantage of, and to not feel so "in the dark."

db667089 says: you can check http://www.alldatadiy.com./ For about the same price as a Haynes or Chilton's repair manual, you can have online access (for a whole year) to model specific info for your particular vehicle. This is the same info that repair shops use. They have great wiring schematics/diagrams.

Also, for about $15 for a one-month subscription, you can get the factory manual, downloadable (careful! Mine was about 500 pages!) or viewable, at http://eautorepair.com./

Also, many people recommend autozone.com's free online manuals.

Best regards,

Mike