Rear Suspension Strut

CAUTION: Support control arm with a suitable jack. The control arm must be supported to prevent the coil spring from forcing the control arm downward causing component damage and possible bodily injury.

NOTE: The knuckle must be restrained after the strut to knuckle bolts have been removed. Failure to observe this may cause ball joint damage.


1. Raise and support vehicle.
2. Remove trunk side cover.
3. Remove wheel assembly.
4. Disconnect air tube (if ELC-equipped): separate from strut air tube fitting.
5. Remove strut tower mounting nuts from inside trunk. It may be necessary to remove the rear seat to gain access to the front nut.
6. Remove strut anchor bolts and nuts from knuckle and knuckle bracket.
7. Remove strut from vehicle.
8. Install strut and tower mounting nuts. Tighten to 47 Nm (35 lb ft).
9. Install strut anchor bolts knuckle bracket and nuts. Tighten to 244 Nm (180 lb ft).
10. Reconnect air tube (if ELC-equipped).
11. Install wheel assembly. Tighten lug nuts to 140 Nm (100 lb ft).
12. Install trunk side cover.

NOTE:
^ For ELC-equipped vehicles, lightly pressurize the ELC system by momentarily grounding the compressor test lead in the engine compartment before lowering the vehicle.

^ Rear alignment should be checked and set after installing a rear strut.