Assembly

ASSEMBLY - STRUT ASSEMBLY (FRONT)
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.

NOTE: If the coil spring has been removed from the spring compressor, proceed with the next step, otherwise, proceed with step 3.







1. Place the coil spring in the compressor following the manufacturers instructions. Before compressing the spring, rotate the spring so the end of the top coil is directly in the back as shown.
2. Slowly compress the coil spring until enough room is available for strut assembly reassembly.
3. Install the lower spring isolator on the lower spring seat of the strut.







4. Install the strut through the bottom of the coil spring until the lower spring seat contacts the lower end of the coil spring. Rotate the strut as necessary until the clevis bracket is positioned straight outward away from the compressor. Install the clamp on the lower end of the coil spring and strut, so the strut is held in place.







5. Install the jounce bumper on the strut shaft. The jounce bumper is to be installed with the smaller end pointing downward toward the lower seat.
6. Install the dust shield on the strut shaft. The bottom of the dust shield will snap past the retainer on top of the strut housing.
7. If disassembled, reinstall the upper spring isolator on the upper spring seat and bearing.







8. Install the upper spring seat and bearing on top of the coil spring. Position the notch formed into the edge of the upper seat straight out away from the compressor.
9. Install the strut upper mount over the strut shaft and onto the top of the upper spring seat and bearing.







10. Loosely install the retaining nut on the strut shaft. Install Strut Nut Socket (on the end of a torque wrench), 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, tighten the strut shaft retaining nut to a torque of 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).
11. Slowly release the tension from the coil spring by backing off the compressor drive completely. As the tension is relieved, make sure the upper mount and seat and bearing align properly. Verify the upper mount does not bind.
12. Remove the clamp from the lower end of the coil spring and strut. Push back the spring compressor upper and lower hooks, then remove the strut assembly from the spring compressor.
13. Install the strut assembly on the vehicle.