Disassembly and Assembly
Disassembly1. Secure the mounting block in a vise.
Caution Use protective plates in the jaws of the vise
2. Loosen the piston rod nut a few turns. Do not remove it.
Caution Do not remove the nut.
3. Use the SST or equivalent, and compress the spring to unload the strut.
4. Remove the strut nut and lockwasher.
5. Remove the strut mounting block and plate.
6. Remove the bearing from the strut rod.
7. Remove the spring seat, seat rubber and spring.
8. Slide the bump stopper off the strut.
Caution If replacing a spring, release the spring compressor progressively to prevent spring arching. Open the compressor jaws wide enough to grip the new spring in the same position, and tighten the compressor screws progressively, compressing the spring until the strut can be assembled without interference.
9. Before assembly, inspect the struts.
Inspection
Check the folio wing points, repair or replace if necessary.
1. Oil leakage or abnormal noise from the MacPherson strut.
2. Deterioration or damage to the mounting block.
3. Damaged or loose bearing. Wear or damage to bump stopper.
Assembly
1. Slide the bump stopper onto the strut rod and over the body.
2. Install the compressed spring, seat rubber, and upper spring seat, positioning the spring ends against the step in the seats.
3. Install the bearing on the strut rod.
4. Install the strut mounting block with the white alignment spot the same side of the strut as the steering knuckle mounting bracket.
5. Install the plate.
6. Temporarily tighten strut rod nut by hand.
7. Release and remove the spring compressor.
8. Secure the strut rod in the mounting block with the lockwasher and strut rod nut.
Tightening torque:
41 - 50 ft. lbs. (55 - 68 Nm, 5.6 - 6.9 kg-m).