Front Suspension Strut Assembly - Removal

REMOVAL

WARNING: Do not remove nut from strut rod while strut assembly is installed in vehicle or before strut assembly spring is compressed.

1. Raise and support vehicle. Maintenance




2. Remove wheel mounting nuts (3), then tire and wheel assembly (1).
3. If both strut assemblies are to be removed, mark strut assemblies right or left according to which side of vehicle they were removed from to keep from mixing parts.






NOTE: It is important to note that left and right side wheel speed sensor routing brackets (3) mount opposite each other on the strut making it necessary to install the left side mounting screw from the rear and right side mounting screw from the front.

4. Remove screw (1) fastening wheel speed sensor routing bracket (3) to mounting flange (2) on strut.






CAUTION: When removing nut (3) from stud of stabilizer bar link (2), do not allow stud to rotate in it's socket. Hold stud from rotating by placing an open-end wrench on flat surface machined into stud.

5. Remove stabilizer bar link (2) from bracket on strut assembly (1). To do so, place an open-end wrench on flat surface machined into link's mounting stud, then remove nut (3) while holding wrench in place. Push stud out of bracket.

CAUTION: The strut assembly-to-knuckle attaching bolts are serrated and must not be turned during removal. Proper removal is required. Refer to the following steps for the correct method.





6. If servicing left strut:
a. While holding bolt heads stationary, remove two nuts (3) from bolts (2) attaching strut (1) to knuckle.
b. Remove two bolts (2) attaching strut (1) to knuckle using a pin punch.





7. If servicing right strut:
a. While holding bolt heads stationary, remove two nuts (3) from bolts (2) attaching strut (1) to knuckle.
b. Remove two bolts (2) attaching strut (1) to knuckle using a pin punch.





8. Remove wiper arms and cowl grille (3) from cowl plenum (1). Cowl Panel Cover - Removal




9. Remove three nuts (1) attaching strut assembly (2) upper mount to strut tower, then remove strut assembly from vehicle.
10. To disassemble strut assembly, Front Suspension Strut Assembly - Disassembly.