Strut Air Bladder

Fig. 82 Upper Strut Mount Removal.:

Fig. 83 Outer Clamp Removal.:

Fig. 84 O-ring Replacement.:

Fig. 85 Inner Clamp Removal.:

REMOVAL

1. Remove strut from vehicle.
2. Scribe alignment marks between upper mount and outer tube.
3. Clamp strut in a suitable vise using wooden blocks.
4. Remove upper mount from strut, Fig. 82.
6. Cut and remove outer clamp with a hacksaw, Fig. 83.
6. Cut air bladder from outer tube and slide the inner tube upward.
7. Remove O-ring from inside top of outer tube, Fig. 84.
8. Cut and remove inner clamp with a hacksaw, Fig. 85.
9. Remove air bladder from inner tube.

Fig. 86 Air Bladder Replacement.:

Fig. 87 Inner Clamp & Air Bladder Positioning.:

Fig. 88 Air Fitting Positioning.:

INSTALLATION
1. Lubricate new O-ring and O-ring groove with silicone lubricant. Install O-ring in groove, Fig. 84.
2. Apply silicone lubricant to inside top of entire outside of new air bladder, Fig. 86.
3. Fold bottom of air bladder before installation on inner tube. Place air bladder over inner tube, continuing to fold bladder from the bottom up. Position top of air bladder as shown in Fig. 87.

CAUTION: Do not use tools to fold air bladder as damage may occur, causing air leakage.

4. Place inner clamp in position as shown in Fig. 87. Tighten clamp with sealing ring compressor tool No. J-34649, or equivalent.
5. Fold bottom of air bladder upward and fold top of 4 inch section downward.
6. Apply silicone lubricant to polished diameter of inner shaft tube.
7. Place outer tube over air bladder and push downward against folded portion of bladder. Outer tube must be completely seated over shaft.
8. Install upper mount onto strut, aligning marks made during disassembly, and torque nut to 74 ft. lbs. Upper mount and tube air fitting must be properly positioned with the bottom strut mount, Fig. 88.
9. Apply silicone lubricant to outer tube.
10. Install air bladder over outer tube by folding upward over tube and push over tube.
11. Install and tighten hose clamp over grooved area of air bladder.
12. Support strut and partially inflate air bladder. Check for leaks with soap solution.
13. Install strut into vehicle.