Replacement

REMOVAL

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Raise and support vehicle, then remove wheel and tire.
3. Disconnect air line. Service and Repair
4. Disconnect solenoid and height sensor electrical connectors.
5. Relieve air pressure, then remove solenoid. Service and Repair
6. Remove strut damper assembly as follows:

Fig. 55 Marking Strut For Installation:

a. Mark position of camber adjusting cam for proper alignment during installation.
b. Mark outline of strut on knuckle for proper alignment during installation.

Fig. 56 Strut/Damper Replacement:

c. Remove cam bolt, knuckle bolt or bolts, washer plate or plates and brake hose to damper bracket attaching screw.
d. Unbolt strut assembly from upper fender panel.
e. Remove strut assembly from vehicle.


DISASSEMBLY & ASSEMBLY

NOTE: Disassembly is limited to upper mount and bearing housing. The strut shock absorber, air spring with internal height sensor, solenoid and wiring harness are serviced as an assembly.
1. Using a suitable tool, hold retaining plate locking washer in place, then remove strut rod nut.

Fig. 57 Air Strut Upper Mount Assembly:

2. Remove locking washer retainer plate, spacer, flat washer and mount/bearing housing assembly.
3. Reverse procedure to assemble. Using a suitable tool, hold retaining plate locking washer in place, then torque strut rod nut to 55 lb-ft.

INSTALLATION

1. Install strut damper assembly as follows:
a. Position strut assembly into fender reinforcement, then install retaining nuts and washers and torque to 20 lb-ft.
b. Position steering knuckle and washer plate to strut, then install cam and through bolts.
c. Install brake hose retainer on damper, then index alignment marks made during removal.
d. Position a four inch or larger C-clamp on steering knuckle and strut, then tighten clamp just enough to eliminate any looseness between strut and knuckle. Check alignment of marks made during removal. Torque cam bolt nuts to 75 lb-ft, then advance nuts an additional 1/4 turn. Remove C-clamp.
2. Install solenoid. Service and Repair
3. Connect solenoid and height sensor connectors.
4. Charge (inflate) air spring. Recharging Air Springs Add air for 60 seconds.