Tension Strut

OVERVIEW
To replace the tension strut, the tension strut and lower control arm first MUST be removed as an assembly from the vehicle.

DISASSEMBLY
1. Raise vehicle using a frame contact type hoist or supported as required using jack stands.
2. Remove the wheel and tire from the car.
3. Remove lower control arm and tension strut as an assembly from the vehicle. See Lower Control Arm Removal for the required removal procedure.
4. Separate the tension strut from the lower control arm assembly.
5. Inspect tension strut bushing in lower control arm for excessive wear or deterioration. If tension strut bushing is found to be defective replace lower control tension strut bushing at this time. Refer to Lower Control Arm Bushing for tension strut removal and installation procedure.

ASSEMBLY






1. Position tension strut in lower control as shown, with word FRONT stamped in tension strut positioned away from control arm. With an open end wrench on flat of tension strut to keep tension strut from turning. Tighten NEW tension strut to lower control retaining nut to a torque of 130 Nm (95 ft. lbs.).
2. Install lower control arm and tension strut as an assembly back on the vehicle. See Lower Control Arm Installation for the required installation procedure.






3. Install washer on end of tension strut. Install a NEW tension strut to cradle bracket nut, on tension strut. Tighten the tension strut to cradle bracket retaining nut to a torque of 130 Nm (95 ft. lbs.). When torquing tension strut nut, keep tension strut from turning by holding tension strut at flat using a large open end wrench.
4. Install the wheel and tire assembly.
5. Tighten the wheel mounting stud nuts in proper sequence until all nuts are torqued to half specification. Then repeat the tightening sequence to the full specified torque of 129 Nm (95 ft. lbs.).






6. Lower the vehicle to the ground so the suspension is supporting the vehicles full weight (control arm at design height). Tighten the lower control arm pivot bushing to cradle bracket attaching bolt to a torque of 142 Nm (105 ft. lbs.).