FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Suspension Strut Removal and Installation



Suspension strut, removing and installing
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Spreader 3424:




Shock absorber set T10001:





Removing
- Remove wheel.





- For vehicles with brake wear pad indicator, disconnect connector - 1 -.





- Remove heat shield - 1 -.
- To do this push lip - arrow A - with a screwdriver in and push at the same time the heat shield - 1 - upward in direction of arrow.
- For vehicles with brake wear pad indicator remove bolt - arrow B - to remove support for brake wear pad indicator.

The following three steps are necessary only for vehicles with modified stabilizer bar mounting.





- Remove upper hex nuts of connecting links from left and right suspension strut.
- Pull out clamp on brake hose bracket and release brake hose.
- Release speed sensor wiring from front suspension strut.

Continued for all vehicles





- Remove securing bolts - 2 - from brake caliper.
- Remove brake caliper and hang up on structure.
- Remove connecting link from control arm.
- Release speed sensor wiring from suspension strut.

Right suspension strut
Additional work is required if right suspension strut is to be removed
- Remove noise insulation.
- Disconnect drive axle from transmission axle flange.

The following work sequence is valid for both sides





- Separate wheel bearing housing/suspension strut bolted connection.





- Insert Spreader 3424 into slot - arrow -.
- urn ratchet handle through 90° and pull off 3424.
- Press brake disc in direction of suspension strut by hand.
Otherwise the shock absorber tube could catch in wheel bearing housing hole.
- Pull wheel bearing housing off shock absorber downward.





Remove hex nut from upper shock absorber mount
1 - Ratchet (commercially available)
2 - T10001 /8
3 - T10001/11
4 - T10001 /5
- Remove strut.

Installing
- Install suspension strut.
- Remove spreader 3424.
- Tighten bolted union wheel bearing housing/suspension strut.
Further installation of suspension strut is performed in reverse order





Tightening torques