Disassembly and Assembly

Strut and Spring Assembly

Special Tool(s):

Disassembly

WARNING: The strut and spring assembly is under spring tension. Attempting to disassemble the strut and spring assembly without compressing the spring can result in personal injury.





1. Mark the location of the strut to the mounting plate for assembly reference.





2. Using a suitable spring compressor, compress the rear spring and unload the strut mounting bracket.

3. CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove or install the strut rod nut by turning the shock absorber rod and holding the nut. The nut must be turned and the rod held stationary to avoid the possible fracture of the shock absorber rod at the base of the hex.

CAUTION: Do not use pliers on the strut rod as the finished rod surface can be damaged.





Using a 10 mm (0.39 inch) 6-point deep-well socket, hold the strut rod in place while removing the strut rod nut. Using the special tool, remove and discard the strut rod nut.
4. Remove the strut, the upper washer and the mounting plate.
5. Remove the lower washer and the dust cover.

Assembly

1. NOTE: Make sure the dished side of the washer is facing away from the strut mounting bracket.

Install the dust cover and the lower washer.

2. NOTE: Make sure the cupped side of the washer is facing away from the strut mounting bracket.





Position the strut into the spring. Make sure the rear spring is correctly positioned in the strut mounting bracket and rear spring seat lower mounting insulator.
1 The end of the spring must be located within 10 mm (0.39 inch) of the step in the strut spring seat.
2 Step in the spring seat pocket.
3 Strut assembly.
3. Install the mounting plate and the upper washer. Align the mark made previously on the mounting plate with the mark on the spring.

4. CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove or install the strut rod nut by turning the shock absorber rod and holding the nut. The nut must be turned and the rod held stationary to avoid the possible fracture of the shock absorber rod at the base of the hex.

CAUTION: Do not use pliers on the strut rod as the finished rod surface can be damaged.

CAUTION: Make sure the spring is compressed enough so the strut mounting bracket is unloaded while installing the nut.





Using a 10 mm (0.39 inch) 6-point deep-well socket, hold the shock absorber rod in place while installing the nut. Using the special tool, install a new strut rod nut.
^ Tighten to 62 Nm (46 ft. lbs.).





5. Release the tension on the spring compressor, then remove the strut and spring assembly from the spring compressor.