Front Suspension

Strut and Spring Assembly

Removal

1. WARNING: Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorber or strut tube. The shock absorber and strut tube are gas pressurized and could explode if heated. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: Keep all body parts clear of shock absorbers or strut rods. Shock absorbers or struts can extend unassisted. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified.

Loosen the upper strut mount nuts.

2. Remove the wheel and tire. REFER to Wheel and Tire .

3. NOTICE: Do not use power tools to remove the stabilizer bar link nuts. Damage to the stabilizer bar link ball joints or boots may occur.

NOTE: To remove the stabilizer bar link nut, loosen the nut, then use the hex holding feature to prevent the stabilizer bar link ball joint from turning while removing the stabilizer bar link nut.
Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link upper nut.

4. Detach the wheel speed sensor harness from the strut.

5. Using a suitable jackstand, support the lower control arm.

6. Index-mark the 2 lower strut-to-wheel knuckle bolts.

7. Remove and discard the 2 lower strut-to-wheel knuckle nuts and bolts.

8. NOTICE: Damage to the lower control arm bushings may occur if the lower control arm is not supported.

Remove and discard the 4 upper strut mount nuts.

- Carefully lower the lower control arm and remove the strut and spring assembly.

Installation

1. NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified.

Position the strut and spring assembly and loosely install the 4 new upper strut mount nuts.

2. Position the strut and spring assembly to the wheel knuckle and install the 2 new lower strut-to-wheel knuckle nuts and bolts.
- Tighten to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft).

3. Attach the wheel speed sensor harness to the strut.

4. NOTE: To install the nut, use the hex holding feature to prevent the stabilizer link ball joint from turning while installing the nut until snug. Finally, tighten the nut using a socket and a torque wrench.
Install the a stabilizer bar link upper nut.
- Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).

5. Tighten the 4 new upper strut mount nuts.
- Tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).

6. Install the wheel and tire. REFER to Wheel and Tire.

7. Check and, if necessary, adjust the front end alignment. REFER to Toe Adjustment - Front , or REFER to Camber Adjustment - Front .