Front Suspension

Strut and Spring Assembly









Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

NOTE: LH side shown, RH side similar.

1. NOTE: Verify the steering wheel is in the unlocked position before removal.

Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires Removal and Replacement.

2. Remove the brake jounce hose clip.

3. Pull the brake jounce hose downward slightly to remove the hose from the bracket and position the brake jounce hose aside.

4. Remove the wheel speed sensor harness bolt.

5. NOTE: Use the hex-holding feature to prevent the ball stud from turning while removing or installing the stabilizer bar link nut.

Remove and discard the upper stabilizer bar link nut.

6. Remove and discard the 2 strut-to-knuckle nuts and bolts.

7. NOTE: Reference mark the 4 strut upper bushing plate nuts.

Remove and discard the 4 strut upper bushing nuts.

8. NOTICE: Do not allow the axle shaft to move outboard. Over-extension of the tripod Constant Velocity (CV) joint can result in the separation of internal parts, causing failure of the axle shaft.

Remove the strut and spring assembly.

9. For additional information on the disassembly and assembly of the strut and spring assembly, refer to Strut and Spring Assembly Overhaul.

Installation

1. Position the strut and spring assembly upper mounting plate into the inner fender.

2. Align the 4 new strut upper bushing nuts to the reference marks.
- Tighten to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft).

3. Install the 2 new strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts.
- Tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).

4. Install the new upper stabilizer bar link nut.
- Tighten to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).

5. Install the wheel speed sensor harness bolt.
- Tighten to 15 Nm (133 lb-in).

6. Position the brake jounce hose to the bracket and install the brake jounce hose clip.

7. Check the front end alignment and adjust as necessary. For additional information, refer to Suspension System - General Information Service and Repair.