Before you start:
* Consult a repair manual: A factory service manual specific to your 1993 Lincoln Continental is absolutely essential. It will provide detailed diagrams, torque specifications, and crucial procedural steps.
* Safety first: Disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting any work. Support the vehicle securely on jack stands – never work under a car supported only by a jack. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
* Gather tools and parts: You'll need jack stands, wrenches (various sizes), sockets, possibly air tools, a compressor, new air suspension struts (or bags, depending on the system), and potentially new lines and fittings. You may need specialized tools for compressing the suspension struts.
General steps (highly simplified):
1. Prepare the vehicle: Securely raise and support the vehicle on jack stands. Remove the wheels.
2. Access the suspension components: This will involve removing various underbody components that may obstruct access to the air struts. The specific components will depend on your Continental's exact configuration. Your repair manual will guide you through this step.
3. Disconnect the air lines: Carefully disconnect the air lines leading to the rear air struts. These lines often have quick-disconnect fittings, but be prepared for some potential leaks. Have rags ready to absorb any escaping air.
4. Remove the old air struts: This is usually a multi-step process that involves removing mounting bolts and potentially unbolting the strut from the control arm or other suspension components. Be careful not to damage surrounding parts. Again, your manual will show you the correct procedure.
5. Install the new air struts: Carefully install the new air struts, ensuring they are correctly aligned and seated. Tighten all bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque values (found in your repair manual).
6. Reconnect the air lines: Carefully reconnect the air lines, ensuring a tight and secure connection. Check for leaks.
7. Reassemble: Reinstall any components that were removed to access the suspension.
8. Lower the vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground.
9. Test and bleed the system: After lowering, test the air suspension system by cycling it through its various height settings. You may need to bleed the system to remove any trapped air. This often involves using a compressor to inflate the air struts and allowing them to cycle through their range of motion.
10. Final inspection: Check for any leaks or unusual noises in the rear suspension.
Important Considerations:
* Air Compressor: You'll likely need an air compressor to properly inflate the new air struts and bleed the system.
* Specialized Tools: Some tools, like strut compressors, may be necessary for safely compressing the struts during installation. Renting these is often a better option than buying them.
* Correct Parts: Ensure you purchase the correct air struts for your specific 1993 Lincoln Continental model. There might be slight variations depending on options or trim level.
Strongly Recommended:
Unless you have extensive experience with automotive repair, including suspension systems, it is strongly recommended to take your car to a qualified mechanic specializing in air suspension repair. The cost of professional repair will likely be less than the potential cost of damaging components during a DIY attempt. Incorrect installation can lead to costly repairs or even safety hazards.
