Broken rear strut springs

[joevit]

Both my rear strut springs are broken and I need to know how to access the top of the strut to take off the 3 nuts off the top. Do I need to take out the back shelf and if so how do I do that. Does the rear seat and seat back have to be removed too. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

[shorod]

What year is your Taurus? Since you mention the rear shelf, it sounds like you have a sedan, not wagon.

-Rod

[joevit]

Sorry, its a 2001.

[shorod]

The factory service manual for the 2002 model year, which should be similar to your 2001, does suggest removing the rear parcel shelf. I haven't done the rear struts on one of these, so I can't say if it's necessary or if there is a work around. The service manual lists the following steps for removing the parcel shelf:

Parcel Shelf

Removal and Installation

1. Disengage the LED module from the parcel shelf.
   1. Insert two thin bladed 20 mm (0.8 in) wide tools (approximately 60 mm [2.4 in] from the outside edges of the LED module) and push rearward to disengage the retaining clips.
   2. Lift the front of the LED module from the parcel shelf.
2. Remove the LED module.
   • Disconnect the connector and pull the LED module forward.
3. Remove the rear seat backrest and the rear seat cushion. For additional information, refer to Section 501-10 .
4. Remove the LH and RH roof trim panels.
5. Remove the pin-type retainers and the parcel shelf. [The retainers appear to be accessible once you fold the seat backs down]
6. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

-Rod

[rdh2]

The steps Rod posted are mostly correct, however you do not need to remove the seat cushion, only the backrest. On my '02, I did not need to remove the side roof trim panels; the shelf slid out from under it. Also, your third brake light is not an LED module, so the removal of that will be different.

A word of caution: Soak the strut pinch bolts with PB Blaster or equivalent. The pinch bolts are notorious for breaking. If that happens, you either drill out the broken bolts or replace the spindles.