Disassembly
DISASSEMBLY - STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT)The Strut assembly must be removed from the vehicle for it to be disassembled and assembled.
For the disassembly and assembly of the strut assembly, use strut spring compressor, Pentastar Service Equipment (PSE) tool W-7200, or the equivalent, to compress the coil spring. Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE STRUT ASSEMBLY'S SHAFT NUT AT ANY TIME UNLESS THE COIL SPRING HAS BEEN PROPERLY COMPRESSED FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURE LISTED HERE.
1. If both struts are being serviced at the same time, mark the coil spring and strut assembly according to which side of the vehicle the strut was removed from, and which strut the coil spring was removed from.
2. Position the strut assembly in the strut coil spring compressor following the manufacturers instructions. The strut clevis bracket should be positioned outward. It will be necessary to turn the strut assembly so the steering arm will clear the compressor arm. Position the upper and lower hooks on the coil spring, then place a clamp on the lower end of the coil spring, so the strut is held in place once the strut shaft nut is removed.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE STRUT SHAFT NUT BEFORE THE COIL SPRING IS COMPRESSED. THE COIL SPRING IS HELD UNDER PRESSURE AND MUST BE COMPRESSED, REMOVING SPRING TENSION FROM THE UPPER MOUNT AND PIVOT BEARING, BEFORE THE SHAFT NUT IS REMOVED.
3. Compress the coil spring until all coil spring tension is removed from the upper mount.
4. Install Strut Nut Socket, Special Tool 6864, on the strut shaft retaining nut. Next, install a socket on the hex on the end of the strut shaft. While holding the strut shaft from turning, remove the nut from the strut shaft.
5. Remove the upper mount from the strut shaft.
6. Remove the clamp from the bottom of the coil spring and remove the strut out through the bottom of the coil spring.
NOTE:
- If the seat and bearing, upper spring isolator, dust boot, or coil spring need to be serviced, proceed with the next step, otherwise, proceed with step 9.
- Before removal of the seat and bearing from the spring, note the flat on the inboard side of the seat and bearing outer perimeter. This must align with the inboard side of the strut (or rear of the clevis bracket) on reassembly. Also note the coil spring ending at the stop built into the seat and upper isolator.
7. Remove the seat and bearing, upper spring isolator and dust shield as an assembly from the top of the coil spring by pulling them straight up. They can be separated once removed from the vehicle. The jounce bumper cup may also come off when the assembly is removed. Check inside the dust shield.
NOTE: Before releasing the tension on the coil spring, note the position of the coil end on the upper end of the coil spring. When reinstalled, it must be positioned in the same spot for proper alignment of the seat and bearing, and the strut.
8. Release the tension from the coil spring by backing off the compressor drive fully. Push back the compressor hooks and remove the coil spring.
9. Remove the jounce bumper cup and jounce bumper from the strut shaft by pulling each straight up and off the strut shaft. If the jounce bumper cup is not present, check inside the dust shield. It may have stayed inside the dust shield.
10. Remove the lower spring isolator from the lower spring seat on the strut.
11. Inspect the strut assembly components for the following and replace as necessary:
- Inspect the strut for any condition of shaft binding over the full stroke of the shaft.
- Inspect the jounce bumper for cracks and signs of deterioration.
- Check the upper mount for cracks and distortion and its retaining studs for any sign of damage.
- Check the upper seat and bearing for cracks and distortion.
- Check for binding of the seat and bearing pivot bearing.
- Inspect the dust shield for rips and deterioration.
- Inspect the upper and lower spring isolators for material deterioration.
- Inspect the coil spring for any sign of damage to the coating.