Complete Guide to Rear Suspension Parts for a 2007 Ford Five Hundred

The rear suspension of a 2007 Ford Five Hundred is a multilink independent setup derived from the Volvo P2 platform. Over time, components wear out, leading to poor ride quality, noise, or uneven tire wear. This guide covers the common rear suspension parts for the 2007 Five Hundred, how to identify when they need replacement, and what to look for when buying replacements.

Rear Suspension Components Overview

The 2007 Ford Five Hundred uses a fully independent rear suspension with lower control arms, trailing arms, a stabilizer bar, and coil springs over separate shock absorbers. Unlike many cars with struts, the strut is not a structural part here—the shock mounts separately from the spring. Ball joints are built into the lower control arm, and there are front and rear lower control arms on each side.

Rear Shock Absorbers and Coil Springs

Shocks dampen spring oscillations. On the Five Hundred, the rear shock is separate from the coil spring. Common signs of worn shocks: bouncing after bumps, rear end sag when loaded, or fluid leaks. OEM replacements are Motorcraft, but aftermarket brands like Monroe, KYB, and Bilstein offer direct-fit options. Monroe OESpectrum (911603) or KYB Excel-G (343358) are popular choices. The coil springs (Motorcraft SW-6213) rarely wear but can sag over time; aftermarket springs from Moog are available

Lower Control Arms (Front and Rear)

The rear suspension uses two lower control arms per side: front and rear. The front lower control arm (also called the track control arm) includes a ball joint and may come as an assembly with a new ball joint. The rear lower control arm (also called the toe link) connects the knuckle to the subframe and has a bushing at one end and a ball joint at the other. Worn ball joints cause clunking or loose steering. Moog (RK62383 for front, RK62400 for rear) or Motorcraft are trustworthy. Many aftermarket arms come pre-greased with grease fittings.

Trailing Arms and Stabilizer Bar Links

Trailing arms connect the knuckle to the body and control longitudinal wheel movement. They have large bushings at the body end. If bushings are cracked or torn, they can cause a vague rear feel. Moog (RK63909) offers a complete arm with bushing installed. The stabilizer bar (sway bar) reduces body roll. Links connect the bar to the lower control arm. Worn links create a rattle over bumps. Moog (K80097) or OEM links are standard.

Bushings and Hardware

Bushings in the control arms and trailing arms eventually wear. Some arms come with new bushings, but you can also buy press-in bushings (Energy Suspension or Moog). Bolts and nuts should be replaced if corroded; use OEM grade fasteners.

When to Replace Rear Suspension Parts

Common symptoms of worn rear suspension on a 2007 Ford Five Hundred:

• Clunking or knocking from the rear when going over bumps.
• Rear end feels loose or wanders on highway.
• Uneven tire wear on rear tires.
• Vehicle leans excessively in corners.
• Bumpy or bouncy ride.

Inspect boots and bushings for cracks, leaks, or play. A simple bounce test—push down on the rear bumper—can reveal bad shocks: the car should stop bouncing after one or two cycles.

Parts Compatibility and Interchange

The 2007 Five Hundred shares its rear suspension with the same-year Mercury Montego and Lincoln MKS (though the MKS may have different springs). Also compatible with 2005-2007 Five Hundred and 2005-2007 Montego. Avoid mixing different brands of shocks/springs on the same axle.

OEM vs Aftermarket Parts

• OEM (Motorcraft): Direct fit, but expensive. Good if you want stock ride.
• Moog: Known for robust designs with greaseable joints. Good value.
• Monroe: Focus on comfort; shocks are often softer.
• KYB: Excellent dampers for stock or slightly firmer ride.
• Bilstein: Premium performance; firmer ride.

For control arms, Moog offers problem-solving parts with extra grease fittings and stronger ball joints.

Replacement Tips for DIY

Replacing rear suspension parts on the Five Hundred requires basic tools: jack, stands, socket set, torque wrench, and possibly a ball joint press for control arms. Always replace fasteners that are torque-to-yield. After any suspension work, get a professional alignment—especially for toe adjustments on the rear. Springs are under tension; use a spring compressor for safety.

Practical Recommendation

For a 2007 Ford Five Hundred with high mileage, start by inspecting the rear shocks and lower control arm ball joints—these are the most common failures. If the ride is bouncy, replace shocks (Monroe or KYB). If there is clunking, check the ball joints on the front lower control arms. Consider buying complete control arm assemblies with pre-installed bushings and ball joints to save labor. For a balanced upgrade, pair KYB Excel-G shocks with Moog control arms and stabilizer bar links. Always replace bushings in pairs and parts in pairs (both sides). Budget around $200–$400 for quality aftermarket parts per side. A full rear suspension refresh will restore ride quality and handling.