Strut Assembly Removal and Installation (w/FE5)

Strut Assembly Removal and Installation (w/FE5)

Special Tools

J 35669 - Wrench

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

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.

2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (wQ50) Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (wQ50)Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (wRT2) Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (wRT2).




3. Disconnect the position sensor electrical connector from the shock (1).

4. Disconnect the position sensor link from the lower control arm

5. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the strut. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement Front Suspension.

Note: It is NOT necessary to completely remove the wheel speed sensor from the vehicle. Relocate the wheel speed sensor to the side and secure it.

6. Remove the wheel speed sensor from the strut and the steering knuckle. Refer to Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement.

7. Remove the front disc brake hose from the strut. Refer to Front Brake Hose Replacement (L99, LS3) Front Brake Hose ReplacementFront Brake Hose Replacement (LSA) Front Brake Hose ReplacementFront Brake Hose Replacement (LFX) Front Brake Hose Replacement.




8. Paint a reference mark (2) of the strut (1) to the steering knuckle (3).




9. Remove the front strut nuts (1) and the bolts (2).

Note: Adjust the hydraulic floor jack so that the front strut has a small amount of pressure on it.

10. Using an hydraulic floor jack, support the steering knuckle.

11. Remove the dust cover, if equipped.




12. Using the J 35669 - wrench (2) and a Torx(R) bit (1), loosen the front strut nut.




13. Remove the front suspension nut (1) and front suspension mount (2).




14. Remove the front suspension strut (1) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure





Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.

1. Using the J 35669 - wrench (2) and the Torx(R) bit (1), verify the front suspension strut nut is tighten to 70 Nm (52 lb ft).




2. Position the front strut assembly (1) in the vehicle.




3. Align the front strut (1) with the alignment mark (2).




4. Install the front strut bolts (2).

5. Install the nuts (1) and tighten to:

* First Pass: 80 Nm (59 lb ft)

* Final Pass: plus 180 degrees




6. Install the front suspension strut mounting plate (2) and nut (1).

7. Remove the hydraulic floor jack.

8. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement Front Suspension.

9. Install the wheel speed sensor. Refer to Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement.

10. Install the front brake hose. Refer to Front Brake Hose Replacement (L99, LS3) Front Brake Hose ReplacementFront Brake Hose Replacement (LSA) Front Brake Hose ReplacementFront Brake Hose Replacement (LFX) Front Brake Hose Replacement.




11. Connect the electrical connector to the shock (1).

12. Connect the position sensor link to the lower control arm

13. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (wQ50) Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (wQ50)Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (wRT2) Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (wRT2).

14. Lower the vehicle.




15. Using the J 35669 - wrench (2) and a Torx(R) bit (1), tighten the front suspension strut nut and tighten to 70 Nm (52 lb ft).

16. Install the dust cover, if equipped.

17. Check and adjust the front wheel alignment, if needed. Refer to Front Camber Adjustment Front Camber Adjustment.