Strut Mount: Service and Repair

Replacing Front Spring, Spring Strut Mounting, Shock Absorber

Special Tools: 999 5407, 999 5466, 999 5467, 999 5468, 999 5469







- Remove the wheel
- Remove anti-roll bar link from spring strut
- Remove ABS sensor from the stub axle.
- Remove the ABS sensor cable from the spring strut and brake bracket.

CAUTION:
- Do not disconnect connector.
- Install on support 999 5466 under the control arm. The support should be used to avoid too large a joint angle at the drive shafts.







- Remove the three screws holding the spring strut turret mounting in the body work







- Remove the two screws retaining the spring strut in the stub axle. Then remove the spring strut







- Secure the spring strut in a vise as shown in the figure
- Take the load off the spring seat with the spring clamps 999 5407. Set the clamps facing each other. Tighten the clamps alternately so that the spring seats have no load.
- Remove the nut and washer from the spring strut mounting. Use socket 999 5467 and counterhold 999 5468.







- Remove the mounting nut on the shock absorber
- Use socket 999 5469 and counterhold 999 5468.

- Remove:
- the spring seat
- rubber bump stop and gaiter
- spring
- holder for the ABS cable (from 1994 model year).







- Check that the spring, spring strut mounting, spring seat, boot and bump stop are not damaged







- When replacing the spring:
- Compress the new spring to a length of approximately 300 mm (11.8 in)
- Use spring clamps 999 5407.

Reassembly







- Install on shock absorber:
- bump stop with boot
- the washer (when replacing the shock absorber, replace the existing washer with a 3 mm thick washer, Check that the spring, spring strut mounting, spring seat, boot and bump stop are not damaged)
- the spring compressed to approximately 300 mm (11.8 in) in length
- the spring seat.

- Locate the spring ends in the spring seats.







- Install the mounting nut
- Tighten it to 70 Nm (51.6 lb.ft). Use socket 999 5469 and counterhold 999 5468.

- Install:
- the spring strut mounting
- washer and nut. Tighten the nut to 70 Nm (51.6 lb.ft). Use socket 999 5467 and counterhold 999 5468.

- Remove the spring clamps

Installation







- Install the spring strut in the bodywork with the new nuts
- Tighten the three spring strut mounting nuts to 25 Nm (18.44 lb.ft).







- Install spring strut to the stub axle
- Use new screws and nuts. Tighten to 65 Nm (47.9 lb.ft). Angle tighten 90 degree.

- Install new bracket for the ABS cable







Model year 1994-
Transfer the existing bracket to the new shock absorber







- Install the anti-roll link to the spring strut with new nut

NOTE: On early models there is a stamped section for the link fastening in the spring strut. Tighten to 50 Nm (36.9 lb.ft).

- Install the ABS sensor cable on the spring strut and to the brake line bracket
- Secure the ABS line
- Secure any ABS line excess on the driver's side of the engine compartment with a tie strap to the vacuum hose to the power brake booster. Secure any excess on the passenger side in the cable duct at the spring strut turret.

- Remove support 999 5466
- Install wheel
- Lubricate hub guide for rims with rustproofing agent, P/N 1161030-0. Tighten studs lightly. Tighten crosswise to 110 Nm (81.1 lb.ft).