STRUT, Suspension, Assembly: Disassembly: Disassembly

For the disassembly and assembly of the strut assembly, use strut spring compressor, teamPSE tool 223-7400, 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 both the coil spring and strut assembly according to which side of the vehicle the strut is being removed from.
   Fig 1: Strut Assembly In Compressor (Lower)

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

   1 - LOWER HOOKS

   2 - CLAMP

   3 - STRUT ASSEMBLY

   4 - CLEVIS BRACKET

   5 - SPRING COMPRESSOR

2. Position the strut assembly (3) in the strut coil spring compressor (5) following the manufacturers instructions. Set the lower hooks (1). Position the strut clevis bracket (4) straight outward, away from the compressor. Place a clamp (2) on the lower end of the coil spring, so the strut is held in place once the strut shaft nut is removed.
   Fig 2: Strut Assembly In Compressor (Upper)

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

   1 - NOTCH IN UPPER SEAT

   2 - UPPER MOUNT

   3 - UPPER HOOKS

   4 - CLEVIS BRACKET

3. Lower the upper hooks (3) and set them on the coil spring following the manufacturers instructions.
4. Compress the coil spring until all coil spring tension is removed from the upper mount (2).
   Fig 3: Shaft Nut Removal/Installation

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

   1 - SPRING COMPRESSOR

   2 - SPECIAL TOOL 6864

   3 - UPPER MOUNT

   CAUTION: Never use impact or high speed tools to remove the strut shaft nut. Damage to the strut internal bearings may occur.
5. Once the spring is sufficiently compressed, install 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, remove the nut from the strut shaft.
   Fig 4: STRUT ASSEMBLY (EXPLODED)

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
6. Remove the upper mount (7) from the strut shaft.
7. Remove the upper spring seat and bearing (6), along with the upper spring isolator as an assembly from the top of the coil spring (5) by pulling them straight up. The upper spring isolator can be separated from the spring seat and bearing once removed from the strut.
8. Slide the dust shield (4), then the jounce bumper (3) from the strut shaft.
9. Remove the clamp from the bottom of the coil spring and remove the strut out through the bottom of the coil spring.
   Fig 5: STRUT ASSEMBLY (EXPLODED)

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
10. Remove the lower spring isolator (2) from the lower spring seat on the strut (1).
    NOTE: If the coil spring needs to be serviced, proceed with the next step, otherwise, proceed with step  12.
11. Release the tension from the coil spring by backing off the compressor drive completely. Push back the compressor hooks and remove the coil spring.
12. Inspect the strut assembly components for the following and replace as necessary:
    NOTE: For reassembly. See Front Suspension/Front/STRUT, Suspension - Assembly .

• Inspect the strut (damper) (1) for shaft binding over the full stroke of the shaft.
• Inspect the jounce bumper (3) for cracks and signs of deterioration.
• Check the upper mount (7) for cracks and distortion and its retaining studs for any sign of damage.
• Check the upper spring seat and bearing (6) for cracks and distortion.
• Check for upper spring seat and bearing (6) for bearing binding.
• Inspect the dust shield (4) for rips and deterioration.
• Inspect the upper and lower spring isolators for material deterioration and distortion.
• Inspect the coil spring (5) for any sign of damage to the coating.