Strut, Suspension, Assembly: Assembly: Assembly

NOTE: If the coil spring has been removed from the spring compressor, proceed with the next step, otherwise, proceed with step  3.

Fig 1: Upper Coil Spring Positioning

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - UPPER END OF COIL

2 - COIL SPRING

3 - LOWER END OF COIL

4 - SPRING COMPRESSOR

1. Place the coil spring (2) in the spring compressor (4) following the manufacturers instructions. Before compressing the spring, rotate the spring so the end of the top coil (1) is directly in front away from the compressor.
2. Slowly compress the coil spring until enough room is available for strut assembly reassembly.
   Fig 2: Exploded View Of Strut Assembly

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
3. Install the lower spring isolator (2) on the lower spring seat of the strut (1).
   Fig 3: Strut Assembly In Compressor (Lower)

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   1 - LOWER HOOKS

   2 - CLAMP

   3 - STRUT ASSEMBLY

   4 - CLEVIS BRACKET

   5 - SPRING COMPRESSOR

4. Install the strut (3) through the bottom of the coil spring until the lower spring seat contacts the lower end of the coil spring. Rotate the strut as necessary until the clevis bracket (4) is positioned straight outward away from the compressor. Install the clamp (2) on the lower end of the coil spring and strut, so the strut is temporarily held in place.
   Fig 4: Exploded View Of Strut Assembly

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
5. Slide the jounce bumper (3) onto the strut shaft. The jounce bumper is to be installed with the smaller end pointing downward toward the lower seat.
6. Install the dust shield (4) over the jounce bumper. Snap the bottom of the dust shield onto the retainer on top of the strut housing.
7. If disassembled, reinstall the upper spring isolator on the upper spring seat and bearing (6).
8. Install the upper spring seat and bearing (6) on top of the coil spring (5).
   Fig 5: Strut Assembly In Compressor (Upper)

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

   1 - NOTCH IN UPPER SEAT

   2 - UPPER MOUNT

   3 - UPPER HOOKS

   4 - CLEVIS BRACKET

9. Position the notch (1) formed into the edge of the upper seat straight out away from the compressor. It should line up with the very end of the coil spring coil.
   Fig 6: Exploded View Of Strut Assembly

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
10. Install the strut upper mount (7) over the strut shaft, onto the top of the upper spring seat and bearing (6). Position the mount so that the third mounting stud on the mount top is inward toward the compressor, opposite the clevis bracket.
    CAUTION: Never use impact or high speed tools to install the strut shaft nut. Damage to the strut internal bearings may occur.
11. Loosely install the retaining nut on the strut shaft (8).
    Fig 7: Shaft Nut Removal/Installation

    Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

    1 - SPRING COMPRESSOR

    2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6864

    3 - UPPER MOUNT

12. Position Strut Nut Wrench (2), Special Tool 6864, on the strut shaft retaining nut. Next, install a socket on the hex on the end of the strut shaft. While holding the strut shaft from turning, tighten the strut shaft retaining nut to 75 N.m (55 ft. lbs.).
13. Slowly release the tension from the coil spring by backing off the compressor drive completely. As the tension is relieved, make sure the upper mount and seat and bearing align properly. Verify the upper mount does not bind when rotated.
    Fig 8: Strut Assembly In Compressor (Lower)

    Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

    1 - LOWER HOOKS

    2 - CLAMP

    3 - STRUT ASSEMBLY

    4 - CLEVIS BRACKET

    5 - SPRING COMPRESSOR

14. Remove the clamp (2) from the lower end of the coil spring and strut (3). Push back the spring compressor upper and lower hooks, then remove the strut assembly from the spring compressor.
15. Install the strut assembly on the vehicle. See Front Suspension/Front/STRUT, Suspension - Installation .