Front

Fig. 2 MacPherson Strut Assembly:

1. Place ignition switch in Off position and ensure steering wheel is not locked.
2. Remove hub nut and loosen three strut attaching nuts, then raise and support vehicle. Do nut raise vehicle with lower control arm.
3. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
4. Remove brake caliper and wire it aside.
5. Remove brake rotor and tie rod end.
6. Remove stabilizer bar link nut, then remove link from strut.
7. Remove lower control arm to steering knuckle pinch nut and bolt, then slightly spread joint and remove lower control arm.
8. Using suitable hub remover/installer, press axle from hub. Wire axle shaft to body to maintain level position.

CAUTION: Do not allow axle shaft to move outward. Over extension of the constant velocity (CV) joint could result in separation of internal parts, which could cause CV joint failure.

9. Remove strut to steering knuckle pinch bolt, then spread joint slightly and remove steering knuckle and hub assembly.
10. Remove strut attaching nuts, then remove strut assembly from vehicle.
11. Compress strut spring with coil spring compressor D85P-7178-A or equivalent.
12. Using a 10 mm box wrench, restrain strut shaft, then remove strut mounting nut with suitable 21 mm crow foot socket.

NOTE: Do not allow strut shaft to rotate.

13. Loosen compressor tool, then remove strut top mount bracket assembly, bearing and seat assembly and spring, Fig. 2.
14. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Torque strut to steering knuckle pinch bolt to specification.
b. Torque lower control arm to steering knuckle pinch bolt to specifications.
c. Torque stabilizer bar assembly to strut to specifications.
d. Torque tie rod end attaching nut to specification.
e. Torque strut attaching nuts to specifications.
f. With vehicle on ground, torque hub nut to specification.