Strut Assembly: Removal
NOTE:
Access 3 rear strut assembly-to-strut tower attaching nuts through passenger compartment by removing rear seat.
- Raise vehicle. Remove wheel and brake drum. If model is equipped with disc brakes, remove brake caliper, and wire aside. Remove rotor.
- On models equipped with anti-lock brakes, remove speed sensor and cable routing tube. See Figure
. On all models, disconnect trailing arm and lower control arms from spindle assembly. Disconnect stabilizer link at stabilizer bar attachment.CAUTION: If speed sensor is left attached, damage may occur to speed sensor cable when trailing arm is lowered.
- Insert center punch into spindle hole, and tap until jammed into place. When inserting center punch into rear spindle, use care so point of center punch does not puncture strut assembly. Using hammer and brass drift punch, tap top surface of spindle, until it is driven off of strut assembly. Rear spindle and assembled components may hang from trailing arm while strut is out of vehicle. DO NOT allow rear caliper assembly hang from flexible brake hose.
- Lower vehicle enough to access rear passenger compartment. Mark location of 3 strut assembly-to-strut tower nuts. Remove 3 nuts. Remove strut.
- Remove the nut, washers, and rubber isolators securing stabilizer bar arm to strut. Inspect strut for evidence of fluid leakage. Slight seepage is normal. Strut replacement is not required. Remove spring. See COIL SPRING . Remove dust boot, cushion and insulator. See Figure .