Suspension Strut, Removing & Installing

Front suspension strut, removal and installation






1 Cover Cap
- Arrow points toward wheel

2 Self-Locking Nut
- Always replace
- Tighten to: 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.)

3 Washer

4 Wheel Housing

5 Tie Rod

6 Self-Locking Nut
- Always replace
- Tighten to: 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.)

7 Drive Axle
- Does not have to be removed to remove strut

8 Self-Locking Nut
- Always replace
- Tighten to: 65 Nm (48 ft. lbs.)

9 Strut
- Remove as complete component.

10 Bolt
- Always replace
- Bolt head points toward rear axle

11 Bolt/Washer Assembly
- Always replace
- Tighten to: 200 Nm (148 ft. lbs.) plus additional 1/4-turn (90°)

WARNING: Do not loosen the bolt/washer assembly -11- unless the car is standing on its wheels-risk of accident.

12 Control Arm With Ball Joint
- Do not pry open or enlarge slot in wheel bearing housing when removing (pressing out ball joint)


REMOVAL

NOTE: Pull ABS wheel speed sensor out slightly when removing. When installing, push in by hand to stop.

1. Remove wheel trim or wheel cover.
2. Loosen wheel bolts.
3. Remove bolt/washer assemble for wheel hub onto drive axle (vehicle standing on wheels).

WARNING: Do not loosen the bolt/washer assembly for the wheel hub unless the car is standing on its wheels-risk of accident

4. Remove wheel.





5. Remove sound insulation panel (undertray).





6. Remove stabilizer bar bushing on both sides.
7. Remove subframe assembly.





8. Disconnect brake caliper (upper arrows).
9. Tie brake caliper to body with wire.
10. Remove brake disc.
11. Remove bolt (lower arrow) clamping ball joint pin into wheel bearing housing.





12. Press out ball joint pin.

CAUTION: When pressing out the ball joint pin, do not damage the drive axle boot or the ball joint boot

13. If ball joint pin fit is tight, proceed as follows:





- Use length of pipe approximately 1.5 meters (5 ft.) long to press down on stabilizer bar to separate joint (arrow)

CAUTION:
^ In order to separate the wheel bearing housing-to-ball joint connection, use a commercial rust solvent
^ Never use a chisel or other tool to pry open or widen the slot

14. Remove nut from tie rod end.




15. Press off tie rod end.
16. Remove cover (arrow on cover points toward fender).





17. Remove upper strut nuts (large arrows) while holding from below and pulling strut off drive axle.