Disassembly and Assembly

DISASSEMBLY 

1. Install Tool (A) to the front coil spring and strut.

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   CAUTION:

   When installing Tool (A), wrap a shop cloth around the front coil spring and strut to protect the parts from damage.

   Tool number

   (A) : ST35652000 (-)

2. Secure Tool (A) in a vise.
3. Slightly loosen the piston rod lock nut.
   WARNING: Do not remove the piston rod lock nut completely. If the piston rod lock nut is removed completely, the coil spring can jump out and may cause serious damage or injury.
4. Compress the coil spring using a suitable tool (A).

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   WARNING: Make sure that the pawls of the suitable tool are firmly hooked on the coil spring. The suitable tool must be tightened alternately so as to not tilt the coil spring.
5. Make sure the coil spring is free between the strut mount insulator and the lower rubber seat.
6. Hold the piston rod and remove the piston rod lock nut.
7. Remove the strut mount insulator, the strut mount bearing, and the bound bumper from the strut.
8. Gradually release the suitable tool and remove the coil spring.
   CAUTION:

   Release the suitable tool while making sure the position of the suitable tool on the coil spring does not move.

9. Remove the lower rubber seat.
10. Inspect the components. Refer to Inspection .

ASSEMBLY 

1. Install the lower rubber seat to the strut.
2. Identify the upper side of the coil spring.

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   : Upper side

3. Compress the coil spring using a suitable tool.
   WARNING: Make sure that the pawls of the suitable tool are firmly hooked on the coil spring. The suitable tool must be tightened alternately so as to not tilt the coil spring.
4. Align the lower end of the coil spring (1) with the lower rubber seat (2) as shown, below.

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   Maximum Gap (A)

   : 5 mm (0.2 in)

5. Apply soapy water to the bound bumper.
   CAUTION:

   Do not use machine oil.

6. Install the bound bumper to the strut.
7. Install the strut mount bearing to the coil spring.
   CAUTION:

   Do not apply oil, such as grease, when installing the strut mount bearing.

8. Set the mounting insulator (1) to the direction shown in the figure, below.

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   : Front

9. Secure the piston rod tip so that the piston rod does not turn. Install the piston rod lock nut and tighten to the specified torque.
   CAUTION:

   Do not reuse piston rod lock nut.

10. Gradually release the suitable tool (A) and remove the suitable tool from the coil spring.

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    CAUTION:

    Release the suitable tool while making sure the position of the suitable tool on the coil spring does not move.

11. Remove Tool (A) from the vise.

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    Tool number

    (A) : ST35652000 (-)

12. Remove Tool (A) from the front coil spring and strut.
13. After replacing the strut, always follow the disposal procedure to discard the old strut. Refer to Disposal .