Strut and Spring Assembly

Disassembly and Assembly

 WARNING: Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorber or strut tube. The shock absorber and strut tube are gas pressurized and could explode if heated. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

 WARNING: Keep all body parts clear of shock absorbers or strut rods. Shock absorbers or struts can extend unassisted. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

NOTICE: When installing a suitable spring compressor, use care not to damage the spring coating.

1. Remove the strut and spring assembly. For additional information, refer to Strut and Spring Assembly in this section.

2.  WARNING: Coil springs and strut assemblies are compressed under extreme load. Always use a spring compressor for disassembly. Follow procedure instructions carefully and make sure the spring compressor has the correct spring plates or adapters. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

   NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the shock absorber rod from turning while removing or installing the strut rod nut.

   Using a suitable spring compressor, slightly compress the spring to remove initial tension. Using the hex-holding feature to hold the strut rod, loosen the strut rod nut. Continue to compress the spring until tension is relieved.

3. Using the hex-holding feature to hold the strut rod, remove and discard the strut rod nut.
   • To install, tighten the new nut to 133 Nm (98 lb-ft).

4. Inspect the upper strut mount and seat-bearing assembly. The spring insulator should not be cracked, torn or distorted. The strut bearing should turn freely without grinding. Install a new upper strut mount, if necessary.

5. Decompress and remove the spring. Remove the dust boot and jounce bumper.
   • To maintain wheel camber:
     • position the notch and arrow on the upper strut mount outboard opposite the center of the mounting flanges on the strut.
   • To adjust camber +0.5 degrees:
     • position the notch and arrow on the upper strut mount inboard aligned with the center of the mounting flanges on the strut.

6. NOTICE: Do not overtighten the strut rod nut. Damage to the nut or strut rod may occur.

   NOTE: Make sure the spring is correctly seated in both spring seats.

   NOTE: During assembly, apply the specified silicone brake grease to the strut rod and the top and sides of the outermost part of the dust boot.

   To assemble, reverse the disassembly procedure.