Front Suspension Strut Assembly - Assembly

ASSEMBLY

Special Tools:






NOTE: If the coil spring has been removed from the spring compressor, proceed with the next step, otherwise, proceed with 3.

NOTE: When installing the coil spring in the spring compressor, be sure to place the end with the tag closest to it upward.

1. Place the coil spring in the spring compressor following the manufacturer's instructions. Before compressing the spring, rotate the spring so the end of the bottom coil is at approximately the 9 o'clock position as viewed above (or to where the spring was when removed from the compressor). This action will allow the strut (damper) clevis bracket to be positioned outward, away from the compressor once installed.
2. Slowly compress the coil spring until enough room is available for strut assembly reassembly.





3. Install the bearing and upper spring seat (3), and isolator (4) on top of the coil spring (7).
4. Install the upper mount (2) on top of the bearing and upper spring seat (3).
5. Install the lower spring isolator (8) on the spring seat on the strut (damper) (9).
6. Slide the jounce bumper (6) and dust shield (5) onto the strut rod.





7. Install the strut up through the bottom of the coil spring and upper spring seat, mount, and bearing until the lower spring seat contacts the lower end of the coil spring. Rotate the strut as necessary until the end of the bottom coil (2) comes in contact with the stop (1) built into the lower spring isolator.






CAUTION: Before installing and the strut rod nut, make sure the hole (4) in the upper mount faces away from the strut clevis bracket (5). Upon doing so, also make sure the bearing and upper spring seat is positioned so the notches (1) in its top line with the studs (2) located in the upper mount flange. This orientation is necessary to avoid possible Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) issues following installation.

8. While holding the strut in position, install the nut (3) on the end of the strut rod (6) by hand.






CAUTION: Never use impact or high speed tools to remove the strut rod nut. Damage to the strut internal bearings can occur.

9. Install Strut Nut Wrench (2), Special Tool , on the strut rod nut. Next, install a deep socket (1) on the end of the strut rod. While holding the strut rod from turning, tighten the strut rod nut to 65 Nm (48 ft. lbs.) using a torque wrench on the end of Special Tool.






CAUTION: Before releasing the tension from the coil spring by backing off the compressor (1) drive, make sure the hole (4) in the upper mount faces away from the strut clevis bracket (5). Upon doing so, also make sure the bearing and upper spring seat is positioned so the notches in its top (1) line with the studs (2) located in the upper mount flange. This orientation is necessary to avoid possible Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) issues following installation.






10. Slowly release the tension from the coil spring by backing off the compressor (1) drive completely. As the tension is relieved, make sure the upper mount and bearing align properly. Verify the upper mount does not bind when rotated.
11. Remove the strut assembly from the spring compressor.
12. Install the strut assembly on the vehicle. Front Suspension Strut Assembly - Installation