Suspension Strut

REMOVAL

Fig. 3 Strut Replacement:

The following procedure has been revised by a technical service bulletin.
When removing strut assembly refer to Fig. 3.

1. Raise and support vehicle, then remove front wheels.
2. Remove bolts securing brake hose and tube bracket. Do not pry brake hose and tube away when removing it.
3. Disconnect strut assembly from knuckle arm.
4. Remove strut insulator to strut house panel mounting nuts.
5. Remove strut assembly.

DISASSEMBLY

1. Using tool MB990987 or equivalent, compress coil spring.
2. Pry up insulator cap from insulator.
3. Using tool MB990775 or equivalent, hold spring seat and remove top end nut.
4. Remove strut insulator, spring seat, spring upper pad, bumper rubber, coil spring, and spring lower pad from strut.

INSPECTION

Check all strut assembly components for wear or damage and replace as necessary.

ASSEMBLY

Coil springs have color marks to indicate coil spring identification and load classification. This identification mark indicates applicable vehicle model equipped with that particular coil spring. When replacing coil spring, be sure to use spring having appropriate identification mark.

1. Mount spring lower pad on strut.
2. Using tool MB990987 or equivalent, fully compress spring and install onto strut.
3. Extend piston rod as far as possible, then install bumper rubber and spring upper pad.
4. Mount spring upper seat onto piston rod, then align ``D'' shaped hole with notch in rod.
5. Using tool MB990775 or equivalent, hold spring seat and tighten strut insulator to specifications.
6. After aligning both ends of spring with grooves in spring seat, loosen tool MB990987.
7. Apply suitable grease to strut insulator bearing, being careful not to get any grease on rubber part of insulator.

INSTALLATION

Reverse removal procedure to install, tighten strut to body nuts and strut to knuckle nuts to specifications.