Strut Disassembly/Assembly

Fig. 1 Exploded view of front suspension assembly:

REMOVAL

1. Remove both strut-to-body attaching nuts.
2. Raise and support front of vehicle.
3. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
4. Remove brake hose clip from strut, then disconnect hose from caliper.
5. Pull brake hose back through opening in strut bracket, then cap hose and open port in caliper to prevent contamination.
6. Remove both strut-to-knuckle attaching nuts and bolts, then the strut assembly, Fig. 1.

Fig. 2 Strut disassembly & assembly:

DISASSEMBLY

1. Secure strut spring compressor in a vise or suitable holding fixture.
2. Install strut into compressing tool, Fig. 2, and compress spring just enough to release spring tension.

Fig. 3 Exploded view of strut assembly:

3. Remove nut from strut shaft, then release spring and disassemble strut, Fig. 3.

INSPECTION

1. Ensure the following items meet specified measurements: piston diameter, 1.18 inch; stroke, 5.75 inches; compressed length, 14.65 inches; extended length, 20.39 inches; coil spring free length, 13.50 inches with auto. trans. and A/C, 13.70 inches with auto. trans. less A/C and manual trans. with A/C.
2. Check shock for oil leaks and defective operation.
3. Check coil spring for wear, cracks or distortion.
4. Check upper strut mounting for abnormal noise, binding or defective turning, or any other defects.

ASSEMBLY

1. Assemble strut in compressor tool, Fig. 3, ensuring ``IN'' marking on inside of spring upper seat faces inside of vehicle.
2. Compress spring just enough to allow installation of shaft nut.
3. Install shaft nut and tighten until shaft begins to rotate.
4. Release spring compressing tool, then torque shaft nut to 43 ft. lbs.

INSTALLATION

1. Install strut-to-knuckle attaching bolts and torque to 80 ft. lbs.
2. Route flex hose back through strut bracket opening. Connect fitting to caliper and torque to 13 ft. lbs.
3. Install wheel and tire assembly.
4. Lower vehicle to a height where upper mount can be aligned with holes in body, then install and torque nuts to 41 ft. lbs.
5. Lower vehicle to ground and tighten wheel nuts.