Parts for your 2014 Ford Territory-Struts

2014 Ford Territory struts: what’s actually fitted

Based on technical sources, struts aren’t used on the 2014 Ford Territory. The Ford Territory SZ workshop manual (2011–2016) specifies a front double-wishbone (SLA) suspension with coil-over shock absorbers and a rear Control Blade independent suspension with coil-over dampers. There’s no MacPherson strut assembly at either end. This layout is also described in Ford Australia chassis literature for the Territory platform and in trade data services that detail the front SLA and rear multi-link design.

Why no struts? A MacPherson strut uses the damper as a structural member to locate the wheel, relying on a strut tower under the bonnet. The Territory’s Falcon-derived platform instead uses upper and lower control arms up front to precisely locate the wheel, with a separate coil-over shock handling the damping. Down the back, the Control Blade multi-link uses a separate damper and spring unit. It’s a packaging and tuning choice that delivers sure-footed handling, decent load-carrying, and good steering feel for Aussie and Kiwi roads.

What this means for servicing is simple: if a parts listing says “strut” for a 2014 Territory, it’s usually using the word loosely. The correct service items are shock absorbers/dampers (front and rear), coil springs, upper and lower control arm bushings/ball joints, sway bar links and bushes, and rear toe/camber links. Tech references note typical wear points as front lower control arm rear bushes, sway bar links, and rear control arm bushes, dampers can soften with age, especially if the vehicle tows or sees lots of corrugations.

Owners and fleets should watch for:

• Knocks over bumps or vague steering: often sway bar links or control arm bushes.
• Bouncy ride, nose dive, or uneven tyre wear: dampers likely tired.
• Clunks on take-off or braking: worn front lower control arm bushes or ball joints.

A quality replacement damper and fresh bushes can transform the Territory’s ride and grip. Always book a wheel alignment after suspension work, and replace components in axle pairs to keep things even. Torque fasteners at ride height, and use OE-equivalent parts to maintain calibration.

Technical references consulted: Ford Territory SZ Series Workshop Manual (Suspension—Front and Rear), Ford Australia chassis and suspension technical releases for Territory, and professional service data (SLA front, Control Blade IRS rear) used by trade workshops.

Popular questions

Does a 2014 Ford Territory have struts or shocks?
It has shocks, not MacPherson struts. The front is a double-wishbone setup with coil-over shock absorbers, the rear is a Control Blade multi-link with separate coil-over dampers. If a listing says “strut” for this model, it’s generally referring to the shock/spring assembly in casual terms.

What suspension parts typically wear on a 2014 Territory?
Common wear items include front lower control arm bushes, sway bar links and bushes, and rear control arm bushes. Dampers can lose effectiveness by higher kilometres, especially with towing. Uneven tyre wear, knocking noises, or a floaty ride are the usual signs it’s time for attention.

Should the shocks be replaced in pairs and is an alignment needed?
Yes, replace front or rear shocks in pairs for balanced handling and braking. After any suspension work—bushes, arms, or dampers—get a full wheel alignment to restore correct camber, caster and toe, protecting tyres and keeping the Territory tracking straight.

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does a 2014 Ford Territory have struts or shocks?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "It has shocks, not MacPherson struts. The front is a double-wishbone setup with coil-over shock absorbers, the rear is a Control Blade multi-link with separate coil-over dampers. If a listing says “strut” for this model, it’s generally referring to the shock/spring assembly in casual terms." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What suspension parts typically wear on a 2014 Territory?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Common wear items include front lower control arm bushes, sway bar links and bushes, and rear control arm bushes. Dampers can lose effectiveness by higher kilometres, especially with towing. Uneven tyre wear, knocking noises, or a floaty ride are the usual signs it’s time for attention." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Should the shocks be replaced in pairs and is an alignment needed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, replace front or rear shocks in pairs for balanced handling and braking. After any suspension work—bushes, arms, or dampers—get a full wheel alignment to restore correct camber, caster and toe, protecting tyres and keeping the Territory tracking straight." } } ]}