Strut Assembly: Removal

NOTE: Before proceeding, (Refer to SUSPENSION/FRONT - WARNING) .

Raise the vehicle. (Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/HOISTING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
Remove tire and wheel assembly.
If both strut assemblies are to be removed, mark the strut assemblies right or left according to which side of the vehicle they were removed from.

Remove the screw securing the ground strap to the rear of the strut. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Ground Strap And ABS Sensor Bracket

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - ABS WHEEL SPEED SENSOR ROUTING BRACKET (IF EQUIPPED)

2 - GROUND STRAP

3 - GROUND STRAP SCREW

4 - ABS SENSOR BRACKET SCREW (IF EQUIPPED)

If the vehicle is equipped with Antilock brakes (ABS), remove the screw securing the ABS wheel speed sensor to the rear of the strut. See Fig 1.
CAUTION: The strut assembly-to-steering knuckle attaching bolts are serrated and must not be turned during removal. Hold the bolts stationary in the steering knuckle while removing the nuts, then tap the bolts out using a pin punch.
Remove the two bolts attaching the strut to the steering knuckle. See Figure.
Lower the vehicle just enough to open the hood, but without letting the tires touch the floor.
Remove the three nuts attaching the upper mount of the strut assembly to the vehicle's strut tower. See Fig 2.

Fig 2: Upper Mounting Nuts
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - NUTS
Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.
For disassembly, (Refer to SUSPENSION/FRONT/STRUT - DISASSEMBLY) .