Front
Removal1. Raise the vehicle on a heist.
2. Remove the front wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove the stabilizer bar link retaining nut and disconnect the link from the strut.
4. Remove the brake hose bracket mounting screw and bracket from shock absorber and if equipped, remove brake anti-lock sensor wire harness routing clip.
5. CAUTION: Do not allow the halfshaft to move outboard. Over extension of the CV joint may result in the separation of internal parts, causing failure of the joint.
Remove the strut assembly-to-steering knuckle pinch bolt. If required, slightly spread the steering knuckle to ease the removal of the strut. Pry down on the lower control arm and roll the strut base out of the knuckle. Do not pry on the halfshaft, as damage may result. Wire the steering knuckle up to prevent the halfshaft from moving outboard.
6. Partially lower the vehicle.
7. Support the strut assembly and remove the top three mount-to-strut tower nuts. Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.
8. CAUTION: The strut assembly is under spring tension. Attempting to disassemble the strut without properly compressing the spring can result in injury.
Using a suitable spring compressing tool, slightly compress the strut spring to relieve initial. Loosen the upper rod nut. Continue to compress the spring until the tension is relieved. Remove the Upper Rod Nut.
9. Remove all upper mounting parts, coil spring, and coil spring isolators from the strut and save them for reassembly. Carefully note the position of each part during removal to ensure proper reassembly. Inspect each part for wear and damage as it is removed.
Installation
Part 1 Of 2:
Part 2 Of 2:
1. CAUTION: The bearing and seal assembly is press-fit onto the upper mount. The mount washers must be installed in the correct orientation.
NOTE: Be sure to check the spring insulator for damage before assembly. If the outer metal splash shield is bent or damaged, it must be carefully bent back, so it does not touch the locator on the bearing and seal assembly.
NOTE: When servicing, be sure to check the spring seat/bearing assembly and bearing plate before assembly, replace if necessary.
NOTE: New gas struts are shipped with the rod in a locked down position. To extend the new strut, remove the external tie down and/or rotate the upper end of the rod, counterclockwise.
Install the coil spring insulator, coil spring, and upper mounting parts to the new strut assembly. Make sure the spring is correctly seated in both spring seats.
2. CAUTION: Do not over tighten the lock nut; damage to the lock neat or piston rod could result.
Install new rod lock nut and tighten it to 55 - 72 Nm (39-53 ft. lbs.).
3. Remove the spring compressing tool.
4. Position the strut assembly into the vehicle. Install the three mount-to-strut tower nuts. Tighten the nuts to 30 - 40 Nm (22-29 ft. lbs.).
5. Partially raise the hoist.
6. CAUTION: When installing the strut into the steering knuckle, do not insert past the pinch bolt positioning tab, damage to the CV joint boot may result.
Position the strut assembly to the steering knuckle. Install the pinch bolt and tighten it to 98 - 132 Nm (73 - 97 ft. lbs.).
7. Position the stabilizer link to the strut assembly and install the retaining nut. Tighten the nut to 77 - 103 Nm (57 - 75 ft. lbs.).
8. Install brake hose bracket mounting screw and bracket and if equipped, brake anti-lock sensor wire harness routing clip, torque to 15 Nm (11 ft. lbs.).
9. Install the front wheel and tire assembly.
10. Lower the vehicle.