Strut/coil spring assembly — replacement
1. If the struts or coil springs exhibit the tell-tale signs of wear (leaking fluid, loss of damping capability, chipped, sagging or cracked coil springs) explore all options before beginning any work. The strut/shock absorber assemblies are not serviceable and must be replaced if a problem develops. However, strut assemblies complete with springs may be available on an exchange basis, which eliminates much time and work. Whichever route you choose to take, check on the cost and availability of parts before disassembling your vehicle. Warning: Disassembling a strut is potentially dangerous and utmost attention must be directed to the job, or serious injury may result. Use only a high-quality spring compressor and carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions furnished with the tool. After removing the coil spring from the strut assembly, set it aside in a safe, isolated area.
2. Remove the strut and spring assembly (see Strut assembly (front) — removal, inspection and installation [front] or Strut assembly (rear) — removal, inspection and installation [rear]). Mount the strut assembly in a vise. Line the vise jaws with wood or rags to prevent damage to the unit and don’t tighten the vise excessively.
3. Following the tool manufacturer’s instructions, install the spring compressor (which can be obtained at most auto parts basis) on the spring and compress it sufficiently to relieve all pressure from the upper spring seat (see illustration). This can be verified by wiggling the spring.
4.3 Install the spring compressor in accordance with the tool manufacturer’s instructions and compress the spring until all pressure is relieved from the upper spring seat
4. Loosen the damper shaft nut (see illustration).
4.4 Remove the damper shaft nut
5. Remove the nut and suspension support (see illustration). Inspect the bearing in the suspension support for smooth operation. If it doesn’t turn smoothly, replace the suspension support. Check the rubber portion of the suspension support for cracking and general deterioration. If there is any separation of the rubber, replace it.
4.5 Lift the suspension support off the damper shaft
6. Remove the upper spring seat from
the damper shaft. Check the spring seat for cracking and hardness; replace it if necessary. Remove the upper insulator from the damper shaft.
7. Carefully lift the compressed spring from the assembly (see illustration) and set it in a safe place.
Warning: Never place your head near the end of the spring!
4.7 Remove the compressed spring assembly — keep the ends of the spring pointed away from your body
8. Slide the rubber bumper off the damper shaft.
9. Check the lower insulator for wear, cracking and hardness and replace it if necessary.
Reassembly
10. If the lower insulator is being replaced, set it into position with the dropped portion seated in the lowest part of the seat. Extend the damper rod to its full length and install the rubber bumper.
11. Carefully place the coil spring onto the lower insulator, with the end of the spring resting in the lowest part of the insulator (see illustration).
4.11 When installing the spring, make sure the end fits into the recessed portion of the lower seat
12. Install the upper insulator and spring seat, making sure that the flats in the hole in the seat match up with the flats on the damper shaft (see illustration).
4.12 The flats on the damper shaft must match up with the flats in the spring seat
13. Align the OUT mark of the spring upper seat with the mark of the upper insulator.
14. If you’re working on a front strut, make sure the arrow on the spring seat faces toward the lower bracket, where the steering knuckle fits (see illustration).
4.14 Make sure the arrows on the upper spring seat face toward the outside of the vehicle
15. Install the dust seal and suspension support to the damper shaft.
16. Install the nut and, if you’re working on a model without electronic modulated suspension, tighten it to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications (on models with electronic modulated suspension, final tightening of this nut is carried out when the strut is installed on the vehicle). Remove the spring compressor tool.
17. Install the strut/spring assembly (see Strut assembly (front) — removal, inspection and installation [front] or Strut assembly (rear) — removal, inspection and installation [rear]). If you’re working on a model with electronic modulated suspension, tighten the damper shaft nut to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications (see Strut assembly (front) — removal, inspection and installation).