Strut Assembly - Replacement

- TOOLS REQUIRED
- SA9155S Strut Spring Compressor
- SA9140E Torque Angle Gauge

REMOVAL

CAUTION: MAKE SURE VEHICLE IS PROPERLY SUPPORTED AND SQUARELY POSITIONED ON HOIST. TO HELP AVOID PERSONAL INJURY, PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO THE OPPOSITE END OF THE VEHICLE THAT COMPONENTS WILL BE REMOVE FROM.





1. Raise vehicle on hoist.
2. Remove wheel and tire assemblies.





3. Remove brake hose and if equipped the ABS harness from the strut assembly.

IMPORTANT: Do not remove fasteners at this time.

4. Loosen steering knuckle to strut fasteners.





5. Remove stabilizer bar link to strut assembly attachment nut, and move link toward rear of vehicle.





6. Remove strut assembly-to-body attachment nut.

NOTICE: Before removing strut assembly, place a rag over CV joint boot to protect it from damage.

7. Remove the two steering knuckle to strut fasteners and discard nut and bolt.
8. Remove strut assembly from vehicle.

DISASSEMBLY

CAUTION: STRUT SPRING IS UNDER HIGH COMPRESSIVE LOAD. DO NOT REMOVE THE STRUT SHAFT TO UPPER SUPPORT NUT WITHOUT FIRST UNLOADING THE UPPER AND LOWER SPRING SUPPORTS OF SPRING PRESSURE, USING THE PROPER SPRING COMPRESSING TOOL.





1. Mount strut spring compressor (SA9155S or equivalent) in holding fixture.
2. Place strut/spring assembly into spring compressor. Fasten strut with a strut to knuckle bolt and nut through lower strut mounting hole.
3. Compress spring enough to completely unload upper strut mount.





4. Remove strut shaft nut with a wrench, while holding strut shaft stationary with a TORX(TM) socket.





5. Release spring compressor and tilt strut assembly outward.
6. Remove upper strut mount assembly. Inspect rubber for cracks or deterioration. Rotate upper support bearing by hand and check for smooth operation.
7. Remove strut spring from strut. Inspect spring for damage.
8. Remove hollow bumper. Inspect for cracks or deterioration.
9. Remove strut from compressor. Extend and retract strut shaft and check for smooth, even resistance.

ASSEMBLY





1. Place strut into spring compressor. Fasten strut with a strut-to-knuckle bolt and nut through lower mounting hole.
2. Extend strut shaft to limit of its travel.





3. Place hollow bumper onto strut assembly.
4. Install spring onto strut

IMPORTANT: Make sure spring is correctly positioned in spring seat and isolator.

5. Install upper spring seat and strut mount.





6. Compress spring while guiding strut shaft through upper strut mount assembly until upper washer and shaft nut can be installed onto shaft. Do not over-compress spring.
7. Tighten the strut shaft nut with a wrench while holding the strut shaft with a TORX(TM) socket.
Torque: 55 Nm (40 ft. lbs.)
8. Release spring compressor tool.
9. Remove strut from compressor.

INSTALLATION

NOTICE: Use new nut; torque retention of old nut may not be sufficient.





1. Attach strut to vehicle body with strut stop and strut-to-body attachment nut.
Torque: 55 Nm (40 ft. lbs.)

NOTICE: Use new bolts and nuts; torque retention of old bolts and nuts may not be sufficient.





2. Attach strut to steering knuckle with fasteners.
Torque: 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.) then 90 Nm (66 ft. lbs.) plus 45°





3. Install stabilizer bar link to strut assembly.
Torque: 65 Nm (50 ft. lbs.)





4. Reattach brake hose, and ABS wiring to strut, if vehicle is equipped.

NOTICE: Before installing wheels, remove rust or corrosion from wheel mounting surfaces and brake rotors. Failure to do so can cause wheel bolts to loosen in service.

5. Position wheel onto hub.
6. Install wheel bolts and tighten in a crisscross pattern. Repeat tightening pattern to make sure torque is correct.
Torque: 125 Nm (92 ft. lbs.)
7. Lower vehicle from hoist.
8. Perform vehicle wheel alignment (refer to "Wheel Alignment").