Front Strut Assembly Removal and Installation: Installation

Reference: FRONT STRUT ASSEMBLY INSPECTION

CAUTION: Strut bracket nuts are pre-coated with friction stabilizer. Never reuse removed nuts, otherwise nuts may loosen.

Reverse removal procedure, noting the following points.

Insert bolts from front of vehicle.
Tighten all fasteners to specified torque.
Tightening torque

Strut bracket nut (a): 120 N.m (12.2 kg-m, 88.5 lbf-ft)

Brake hose bolt (c): 26 N.m (2.7 kg-m, 19.5 lbf-ft)

Stabilizer bar joint nut (d): 55 N.m (5.6 kg-m, 40.5 lbf-ft)
CAUTION:
- If the flexible hose is twisted, the hose will be damaged. If the hose is twisted, reinstall it being careful not to let it get twisted.
- If the wheel speed sensor harness is twisted when it is installed, the harness may get damaged. Install the wheel speed sensor harness carefully so as not to twist it.
Lower hoist and, without loading anything in vehicle, tighten strut support nuts using special tool to specified torque.
Special Tool
1. 09945-25710
Tightening torque

Strut support nut (b): 50 N.m (5.1 kg-m, 37.0 lbf-ft)

CAUTION: If the bolt is tightened using the extension special tool until the torque wrench reads the specified torque, the bolt will actually be tightened to a torque much more than the specified torque. This could cause damage to the related components. Use the formula shown below to determine the correct reading of the torque wrench for its length. Then tighten the bolt until the torque wrench indicates the value thus determined.

Formula

M = T X L/(L + "a")
- M: Torque wrench reading
- T: Specified torque
- L: Torque wrench length
- "a": Special tool length
  
  Fig 1: Removing Strut Support Nuts
  Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
Check front wheel alignment after installing front strut assemblies, see FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT .