Front Suspension

Strut, Strut Component, or Spring Replacement

Special Tools

* J 42991 - Strut Rod Nut Socket

* J 45400 - Strut Spring Compressor

For the equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools Front Suspension.

Removal Procedure

Note:
Before removing any of the front strut components, note the alignment and orientation of the all the components.

1. Remove the front strut assembly from the vehicle. Refer to Strut Assembly Removal and Installation Strut Assembly Removal and Installation





2. Remove the front suspension nut cover (1), if equipped.





Note:
Ensure that the strut assembly is vertical in the spring compressor.

3. Position the strut assembly (1) in the J 45400 - compressor and adjust the upper and lower legs so that they are properly positioned on the spring.





Caution:
Do not allow the absorber rod to rotate during disassembly/reassembly. Use hand tools to keep the absorber rod from rotating. If air tools are used, and the rod is allowed to rotate, damage to the absorber may occur.

Note:
Use the proper size socket to hold the strut shaft while loosening the strut nut.

4. Using the J 42991 - socket (2) and a hand ratchet and the proper socket (1), loosen remove the strut nut.





5. Remove the front strut nut (1).





Caution:
Do not handle the top mount assembly by the plastic portion. Handle the top mount assembly by the metal portion when removing/installing the top mount from/to the strut assembly. Holding the top mount assembly by the plastic portion may loosen the snap fit of the bearing components and cause the bearing to fall apart.

Note:

* If any of the strut components show signs of excessive wear or are damaged, replace those components.

* If the spring does not have to be serviced, leave the spring in the spiring compressor.



6. Remove the front suspension strut mount (8), front suspension mount bearing (7), front spring upper insulator (6), front spring (5) (if needed), front strut dust shield (4), front suspension strut bumper (3), front spring lower insulator (2), and the front suspension strut (1).

Installation Procedure





Note:
Ensure that the strut assembly is vertical in the spring compressor.

1. If removed, position the front spring (1) and adjust the upper and lower legs of J 45400 - compressor are properly position on the front spring.

2. Using the J 45400 - compressor, compress the spring enough to install the other front suspension strut components.





3. Install the front spring lower insulator (2), front suspension strut bumper (3) and the front strut dust shield (4) on the front suspension strut (1).

4. Position the front strut with assembled parts (1) in the J 45400 - compressor.

Caution:
Do not handle the top mount assembly by the plastic portion. Handle the top mount assembly by the metal portion when removing/installing the top mount from/to the strut assembly. Holding the top mount assembly by the plastic portion may loosen the snap fit of the bearing components and cause the bearing to fall apart.

5. Install the front spring upper insulator (5), front suspension strut mount bearing (3) and the front suspension mount (3) on the front suspension strut (1).





6. Check to ensure that the front spring upper insulator tab (1) is aligned with the tab (2) on the front spring lower insulator and the center (3) of the front suspension strut.

7. The flat (4) of the front suspension mount should be aligned with the tab (1) on the front suspension upper insulator.

8. Check and ensure that the front spring (5) is properly seated in the front spring lower insulator (6).





9. Install the front suspension strut nut (1).





Caution:
Do not allow the absorber rod to rotate during disassembly/reassembly. Use hand tools to keep the absorber rod from rotating. If air tools are used, and the rod is allowed to rotate, damage to the absorber may occur.

Caution:
Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.

10. Using the J 42991 - socket (2) all with and a torque wrench, all with the proper tool to hold the strut shaft (1), tighten the front suspension strut nut to 75 Nm (55 lb ft).





11. Remove the front suspension strut assembly (1) from the J 45400 - compressor.





12. Install the front suspension nut cover (1), if equipped.

13. Install the front strut assembly in the vehicle. Refer to Strut Assembly Removal and Installation Strut Assembly Removal and Installation