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OVERHAUL

Fig. 1: Mount the complete strut assembly firmly in a bench vise, then remove the top plastic cap from the strut bearing plate

Fig. 2: Before attempting to compress the strut coil spring, loosen the top srut retaining nut a couple of turns, but do NOT remove

Fig. 3: Install a coil spring compressor tool as shown, then use a box wrench and socket to compress the coil . . .

Fig. 4: . . . to the compressed size as shown . . .

Fig. 5: . . . then remove the top retaining nut and two washers

Fig. 6: Pull the bearing plate straight off the top of the strut assembly. Note during installation that it may be necessary to pull up the strut rod through the bumper stop by installing the nut and using two screwdrivers to pry upward (arrows)

Fig. 7: Pull the spring seat/bumper stop/dust boot assembly up off of the strut rod

Fig. 8: Remove the coil spring with the compressor still installed

Fig. 9: Remove the rubber ring from the strut

Fig. 10: Strut assembly components

  1. Secure the strut assembly firmly in a bench vise. Remove the rubber cap from the upper mounting block. Loosen the upper attaching nut, but do not remove it.
  2. Install a suitable spring compressor and compress the coil spring.
  3. Remove the upper attaching nut and slowly relieve the tension on the coil spring, using the spring compressor. When the spring is no longer under tension, remove the spring compressor.
  4. Remove the upper mounting block, upper spring seat, spring seat, coil spring, bump stopper and ring rubber from the strut.
  5. Apply a suitable rubber grease to the ring rubber and install it on the bump stopper. Install the bump stopper on the strut.
  6. Attach the spring compressor to the coil spring and compress the spring.
  7. Install the compressed spring on the strut and install the spring seat.
  8. Install the upper spring seat. The flat of the strut rod must fit correctly into the upper spring seat.
  9. Install the upper mounting block. Install and loosely tighten the upper attaching nut.
  10. Remove the spring compressor. Make sure the spring is properly seated in the upper and lower spring seats.
  11. Secure the upper spring seat in a vise and tighten the upper attaching nut to 47–59 ft. lbs. (64–80 Nm). Install the rubber cap on the upper mounting block.

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