Front Suspension

Strut and Spring Assembly

Special Tool(s):

Removal and Installation

WARNING: All vehicles are equipped with gas-pressurized front shock absorbers which will extend unassisted. Do not apply heat or flame to the front shock absorber during removal or disassembly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation is necessary. Do not use a new part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

NOTE: Turn the ignition switch to the UNLOCKED position.

1. Loosen the strut upper mount nuts.
^ Tighten to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.).
2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
3. Remove and discard the wheel hub nut.
^ Tighten to 350 Nm (258 ft. lbs.).
4. Remove the brake disc.
5. Remove the tie-rod end nut, then separate the tie rod from the wheel knuckle.
^ To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 ft. lbs.).
6. Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link-to-strut nut.
^ To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.).





7. Detach the wheel speed sensor harness from the strut.
8. Remove the bolt and the wheel speed sensor from the wheel knuckle. Position the wheel speed sensor aside.
^ To install, tighten to 14 Nm (10 ft. lbs.).





9. NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the stud from turning while removing the nut.

Using a crow's foot wrench, remove and discard the lower ball joint nut.

^ To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 ft. lbs.).
10. Using a pry bar, push the lower arm downward until the ball joint is clear of the lower arm.





11. After separating the lower ball joint from the wheel knuckle, immediately install the special tool over the ball stud before releasing the lower arm and knuckle into the rest position.
^ Leave the special tool in place during service and only remove prior to reassembly.





12. CAUTION: Do not allow the halfshaft to move outboard. Overextension of the tripod CV joint can result in separation of internal parts, causing failure of the halfshaft.

Using the special tool, press the halfshaft from the wheel bearing and hub. Support the halfshaft in a level position.





13. Remove and discard the 4 strut upper mount nuts.
14. Remove the wheel knuckle and the strut and spring as an assembly.
15. Remove and discard the strut-to-wheel knuckle nut and flag bolt.
^ To install, tighten to 175 Nm (129 ft. lbs.).





16. Separate the strut and spring assembly from the wheel knuckle.
17. To install, reverse the removal procedure.