Assembly
ASSEMBLY - STRUT ASSEMBLY (REAR)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.
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 to the position determined in the note prior to step 9 in disassembly.
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 matching the step built into the isolator with the step in the lower spring seat on the strut.
4. Install the jounce bumper on the strut shaft. The jounce bumper is to be installed with the pointed end pointing downward toward the lower seat.
5. 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.
6. 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 until the end of the coil spring fits against the step in the lower spring seat. If done correctly, the clevis on the bottom of the strut should face toward the compressor.
7. Install the clamp on the lower end of the coil spring and strut, so the strut is held in place with the coil spring.
NOTE: Before installing the upper mount, check to make sure the correct side mount is being installed. Left and right upper mounts are different. A left mount will be marked with the letter "L" while a right mount will be marked with the letter "R".
8. Install the upper mount over the strut shaft and onto the top of the upper spring. Near the center on the top of the mount is the word "OUT" and an arrow. Point the arrow on the mount in the same direction that the clevis bracket on the lower end of the strut is pointed in. This direction should be straight toward the compressor.
9. 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.).
10. 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's seat aligns properly with the coil spring.
11. Verify the arrow on the upper mount is pointing in the same direction as the strut clevis bracket as mentioned in step 9.
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.