Front Suspension Strut Assembly - Installation

INSTALLATION

CAUTION: When installing a strut assembly, make sure the correct coil spring is used for that side of vehicle. Do not interchange the two sides.





1. Install strut assembly (3) into strut tower (2), aligning and inserting three studs on upper strut mount into holes in tower. Install three mounting nuts (1). Tighten nuts to 28 Nm (21 ft. lbs.).





2. Install cowl grille (3) and wiper arms. Cowl Panel Cover - Installation

CAUTION: The strut clevis-to-knuckle bolts are serrated and must not be turned during installation. Install the nuts while holding the bolts stationary in the steering knuckle. Refer to the following steps.


CAUTION: If vehicle being serviced is equipped with eccentric cam strut attaching bolts, eccentric cam bolt must be installed in bottom (slotted) hole on strut clevis bracket.

NOTE: The strut clevis-to-knuckle bolts are installed differently on each side. Left hand side bolts are to be installed from vehicle rear to front. Right side bolts are to be installed from vehicle front to rear.





3. If servicing left strut:
a. Position the lower end of the strut assembly (1) in line with the upper end of the knuckle, aligning the mounting holes. Install the two strut clevis-to-knuckle bolts (2).
b. Install strut clevis-to-knuckle nuts (3) on the two bolts (2). While holding the bolts in place, tighten the strut clevis-to-knuckle nuts to 88 Nm (65 ft. lbs.) plus an additional 90° turn after torque is met.





4. If servicing right strut:
a. Position the lower end of the strut assembly (1) in line with the upper end of the knuckle, aligning the mounting holes. Install the two strut clevis-to-knuckle bolts (2).
b. Install strut clevis-to-knuckle nuts (3) on the two bolts (2). While holding the bolts in place, tighten the strut clevis-to-knuckle nuts to 88 Nm (65 ft. lbs.) plus an additional 90° turn after torque is met.





5. Install stabilizer bar link (2) mounting stud through rearmost hole in bracket on strut assembly (1).

CAUTION: When installing nut on mounting stud of stabilizer bar link, do not allow stud to rotate in it's socket. Hold stud from rotating by placing an open-end wrench on flat surface machined into stud.

6. Hand thread nut (3) on end of stabilizer bar link stud. Place an open-end wrench on flat surface machined into link's mounting stud to hold stud from turning while tightening nut. Tighten nut to 88 Nm (65 ft. lbs.).






NOTE: It is important to note that left and right side wheel speed sensor routing brackets (3) mount opposite one another on the strut making it necessary to install the left side mounting screw from the rear and right side mounting screw from the front.

7. Attach wheel speed sensor routing bracket (3) to mounting flange (2) on strut assembly. Install and tighten screw (1) to 10 Nm (89 in. lbs.).





8. Install tire and wheel assembly (1) . Tires And Wheels - Installation Install and tighten wheel mounting nuts (3) to 135 Nm (100 ft. lbs.).
9. Lower vehicle.
10. Perform wheel alignment as necessary. Service and Repair