Strut Assembly: Disassembly

The Strut assembly must be removed from the vehicle for it to be disassembled and assembled. (Refer to SUSPENSION/FRONT/STRUT - REMOVAL) 

For the disassembly and assembly of the strut assembly, use strut spring compressor, Pentastar Service Equipment (PSE) tool W-7200, or the equivalent, to compress the coil spring. Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely.

1. If both struts are being serviced at the same time, mark the coil spring and strut assembly according to which side of the vehicle the strut was removed from, and which strut the coil spring was removed from.
2. Position the strut assembly in the strut coil spring compressor following the manufacturers instructions. Set the lower hooks, then set the upper hooks. See Fig 1 and Fig 2. Position the strut clevis bracket straight outward away from the compressor. Place a clamp on the lower end of the coil spring, so the strut is held in place once the strut shaft nut is removed. See Fig 1.
   Fig 1: Strut Assembly In Compressor (Lower)

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

   1 - LOWER HOOKS

   2 - CLAMP

   3 - STRUT ASSEMBLY

   4 - CLEVIS BRACKET

   5 - SPRING COMPRESSOR

   Fig 2: Strut Assembly In Compressor (Upper)

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

   1 - NOTCH IN UPPER SEAT

   2 - UPPER MOUNT

   3 - UPPER HOOKS

   4 - CLEVIS BRACKET

   WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE STRUT SHAFT NUT BEFORE THE COIL SPRING IS COMPRESSED. THE COIL SPRING IS HELD UNDER PRESSURE AND MUST BE COMPRESSED, REMOVING SPRING TENSION FROM THE UPPER MOUNT AND PIVOT BEARING, BEFORE THE SHAFT NUT IS REMOVED.
3. Compress the coil spring until all coil spring tension is removed from the upper mount.
   CAUTION: Never use impact or high speed tools to remove the strut shaft nut. Damage to the strut internal bearings may occur.
4. Once the spring is sufficiently compressed, install Strut Nut Socket, Special Tool 6864, on the strut shaft retaining nut. See Fig 3. Next, install a socket on the hex on the end of the strut shaft. While holding the strut shaft from turning, remove the nut from the strut shaft.
   Fig 3: Shaft Nut Removal/Installation

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

   1 - SPRING COMPRESSOR

   2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6864

   3 - UPPER MOUNT

5. Remove the upper mount from the strut shaft. See Fig 4.
   Fig 4: Strut Assembly

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

   1 - NUT

   2 - STRUT ASSEMBLY

   3 - STRUT

   4 - LOWER SPRING ISOLATOR

   5 - COIL SPRING

   6 - JOUNCE BUMPER

   7 - DUST SHIELD

   8 - SPRING SEAT AND BEARING (WITH SPRING ISOLATOR)

   9 - UPPER MOUNT

6. Remove the upper spring seat and bearing, along with the upper spring isolator as an assembly from the top of the coil spring by pulling them straight up. See Fig 4. The upper spring isolator can be separated from the spring seat and bearing once removed from vehicle.
7. Remove the dust shield, then the jounce bumper from the strut shaft by pulling each straight up. See Fig 4.
8. Remove the clamp from the bottom of the coil spring and remove the strut out through the bottom of the coil spring.
9. Remove the lower spring isolator from the lower spring seat on the strut.
   NOTE: If the coil spring needs to be serviced, proceed with the next step, otherwise, proceed with step  11.
10. Release the tension from the coil spring by backing off the compressor drive completely. Push back the compressor hooks and remove the coil spring.
11. Inspect the strut assembly components for the following and replace as necessary:
    • Inspect the strut for any condition of shaft binding over the full stroke of the shaft.
    • Inspect the jounce bumper for cracks and signs of deterioration.
    • Check the upper mount for cracks and distortion and its retaining studs for any sign of damage.
    • Check the upper spring seat and bearing for cracks and distortion.
    • Check for binding of the upper spring seat and bearing pivot bearing.
    • Inspect the dust shield for rips and deterioration.
    • Inspect the upper and lower spring isolators for material deterioration and distortion.
    • Inspect the coil spring for any sign of damage to the coating.