Coil Spring

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Strut from the vehicle
   • Cap from the top of the strut, if not equipped with Automatic Adjusting Suspension (AAS)

     Fig. 1: Be sure the end of the coil spring is in the step of the lower seat-626

     Fig. 2: Exploded view of the front strut assembly-rear strut is similar

   • Piston rod upper nut 1 turn but do not remove it

     Fig. 3: Secure the upper strut mount in a vise and loosen the piston rod nut one turn but do not remove it

3. Place the lower end of the strut in the vise.
4. Install a coil spring compressor and compress the coil spring.

   CAUTION
   Failure to fully compress the spring and hold it securely can be extremely dangerous.

5. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Upper strut nut
   • Slowly release the coil spring tension

     Fig. 4: Use a coil spring compressor and relieve the spring tension from the upper mount, then remove the piston rod nut

   • Suspension support, dust seal, spring seat, spring insulators, coil spring and bumper
6. While pushing on the piston rod, be sure that the pull stroke is even and that there is no unusual noise or resistance. Also inspect for any oil leakage around the piston rod.
7. Push the piston rod in, then release it. Be sure that the return rate is constant.
8. If the shock absorber does not operate as described, replace it.

   To assemble:

9. Install or connect the following:
   • Strut assembly into a vise
   • Bump stopper and dust boot onto the piston rod
   • Coil spring
10. Compress the coil spring with the spring compressor
11. Install or connect the following:
    • Rubber seat, the spring upper seat, the bearing and the mounting block
    • Piston rod upper nut
12. Be sure that the spring upper seat notched portion is facing inward and tighten the piston rod upper nut.
13. Remove the spring compressor from the strut. Secure the upper mounting block in the vise and tighten the nut to specification.
14. Be sure that the spring is well seated in the upper seats.
15. Install the strut to the vehicle.