MacPherson Struts

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
2. Support the lower control arm with a jack.

   Fig. 1: To remove the front strut, first unfasten the brake hose and/or ABS sensor wires from the strut housing

   Fig. 2: Paint matchmarks on the upper strut mount-to-tower assembly . . .

   Fig. 3: . . . and on the lower strut-to-steering knuckle mounting point. This will help preserve your alignment settings

   Fig. 4: Remove the upper strut mounting nuts . . .

   Fig. 5: . . . then loosen the lower strut-to-knuckle through-bolts . . .

   Fig. 6: . . . and remove them. If the bolts seem stuck, try rocking the assembly slightly while pulling outward on the bolt

3. Remove the bolts or clips attaching the brake hose and/or ABS sensor harness to the strut.
4. On vehicles equipped with the Automatic Adjusting Suspension (AAS), unplug the electrical connector and remove the actuator from the top of the strut.
5. On 1990–92 626/MX-6, when removing the left side strut, remove the ignition coil bracket.

   Fig. 7: Separate the steering knuckle from the strut. Support the steering knuckle to avoid stressing the brake hose (arrow)

   Fig. 8: Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle

   Fig. 9: If necessary, replace the upper mount-to-strut tower gasket

6. Paint alignment marks on the upper strut mounting block and strut tower, and on the lower strut mount-to-steering knuckle so the strut can be reinstalled in the same position.
7. Remove the upper strut mounting block nuts and the strut-to-knuckle bolts and remove the strut assembly.

   To install:

8. Install the strut into the strut tower, aligning the paint marks made during removal. Install the mounting nuts and tighten to specifications.
9. Install the strut-to-knuckle bolts and tighten to specifications.
10. If equipped with AAS, install the actuator and engage the electrical connector.
11. Install the clips or bolts attaching the brake hose and/or ABS sensor harness.
12. Install the wheel and tire assembly and lower the vehicle. Check the front end alignment.